Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Tuigim. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil daoine neirbhíseach agus go bhfuil imní ann freisin. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil dearcadh amháin ag dream amháin agus dearcadh eile ag dream eile. Tá sé an-chasta ar fad. Is maith an rúd é that the process is ongoing and the widest spectrum of views and opinions will be included in that. All of the points Deputy Daly raised have been raised with myself and other points from other perspectives and views. Therefore, it is enormously beneficial we have been in a position to extend the consultation period further, until the end of November and out of that, put together the report that will emanate from it and make a considered judgment on where we go from here.

The bottom line is that the objective is to enhance, protect, grow and nurture the Irish language, but also to be mindful of the caighdeán sa Ghaeilge, which many of the members have referenced, and the importance of growing that. Equally, it is important to acknowledge we want Irish to be accessible and there is a balance that needs to be done here. For that reason, the process will continue until the end of November and we will, at that stage, at least have had the views of all those with vested interests and those with none, which is important as well - those who are outside and beyond the immediate area - because the wider consultation we have on this, the more beneficial it is for having a policy going forward that everyone feels part of.