Mr. Drew Harris:

On the allowance, it is hard to determine how successful that was because our position has not significantly changed since we have been without it. I have been asked about specific figures, etc.

We need to be ambitious and not think about just the Gaeltacht areas when we are thinking about proficiency. There is more we can do around technology and even communication. We have all become proficient with Zoom and dealing with things over the telephone. We have had a large investment in technology so there are alternative means by which we can also provide services in Irish and we need to explore that.

In terms of chairing the overall governance of this, it will make a difference in the prioritisation of where resources go in the organisation. This will require investment. Some of that investment is in respect of the training and assistance we provide to each other. We always have a large requirement and great demand for training. We must make sure this does not get muscled out by the many other demands on training, particularly at this time as we come out of Covid. We have had a period when much of our normal training has not happened, which will create a particular tail. My involvement is to ensure this area remains an important one.

Referring back to one of the other points made, I think there is a desire in the organisation for this. From my point of view, I often speak in public. It is a matter of courtesy, and to save myself some embarrassment, that I can at least top and tail my graduation and passing-out speeches with some Irish. I was engaged in one-to-one tuition but Covid brought that to an end. I think there is a strong recognition of the central importance of it in terms of public confidence in the organisation and the diversity of the service we must provide.