Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had no reluctance in praising the Taoiseach's efforts with the Irish language and no intention of embarrassing him. He has done wonderfully. While his personal effort is an example to everyone, my question is on the need for urgent action on the Irish language. Everyone is empathic and sympathetic having regard to the Irish language. Indeed, I had the privilege to award more than 40 certificates recently to members of various Departments who made a great effort on the Irish language. However, we need from Government an action plan for the 20-year strategy and confirmation that money is available for the implementation of the language plans in preparation on a voluntary basis all over the Gaeltacht and in different cities and towns. There is a crisis. As Chairman of the Irish language committee, I note that we were in the position of having the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform before us, none of whose representatives could speak Irish. The way we had to conduct that process was surreal. I ask the Taoiseach to provide leadership from Government on a practical level. That can be done very easily. We have been told for weeks on end that an action plan would be published. When will it be published?