Ms Jean O'Mahony:

I absolutely agree with that. I think that is a core piece for the consideration of any future policy. There is not enough data about Irish-language speakers at third level or about demand.

I would absolutely take that point.

On the support for the North-South piece, this is run out of our international division to support third level Irish language competition on a North-South basis. There is also a US-Ireland dimension. The programme started as a pilot scheme in 2006 administered by Glór na nGael and it awards prizes to Irish-language societies on an all-island basis. Over the past 15 years, Conradh na Gaeilge has been collaborating with Glór na nGael on annual competitions between third level Irish societies. Historically, the competition emphasises good practice in planning and community development and networking. This initiative is about cross-Border relationships grounded in the Irish language. The primary principle is about fostering those North-South relationships as a first principle and support of the language being a second principle.