James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a question on subhead B5, which relates to funding for TG4. There is an increase of just under 1%, going from €33.16 million to €33.46 million. My understanding is there is a plan to increase the number of hours, or minutes at least, of Irish language programming. As the Minister mentioned, we will potentially be the only English-speaking country in the European Union but we are also the only Irish-speaking country in the Union, although we may have some Celtic neighbours. The Irish language is going through somewhat of a revival, and in the last election campaign in my constituency, Gaelscoileanna and bunscoileanna were, and continue to be, major issues. There are business interests like Cill Dara le Gaeilge and other groups that have embraced the language locally. I notice within the EU, 180 jobs are to be created for Irish language linguists and translators by the end of 2021. All the appearances are that the Irish language has gone through a revival and is strengthening.

In this context, any move towards increasing the Irish language programme is to be welcomed and encouraged. If my understanding is correct, will the increase be directed towards extra Irish language programming? Are there any intentions to go further and up the number of hours again? All the signals point to a revival of the language and this is something we should seek to encourage in the House. Will the Minister comment on it?