Mr. Drew Harris:

I recognise that a lot of reliance is placed on the stream of recruitment providing sufficient members to service the needs of the Gaeltacht and wider Irish society. That has not happened so while that policy can continue, it gives us very limited numbers. We have to then look within the organisation and at those who would wish either to learn or relearn the Irish language.

I agree entirely about the importance of practical leadership being demonstrated by those in senior positions in the organisation. That is why I referred specifically to myself. I have no Irish language skills but I felt I should learn some due to a sense of good manners and respect for my audience, as well as to save my own embarrassment as I could at least open and close events in Irish. Covid interrupted that learning but I will re-engage with it.