Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I move amendment No. 122:

In page 44, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following:

“(g) meets the needs of persons who are competent to speak the Irish language,”.

This is another one of these points that is becoming common because I think Deputy Conway-Walsh and I must talk to the same people on this legislation. In any case, there is amendment No. 122 in my name and No. 125 in the Deputy’s name which intend to do the exact same thing. It is just a question of legal wording on how best to do this. This is basically about making sure that the provision for lifelong and flexible learning provides that the HEA should promote and support the institutions of higher education in the development and provision of lifelong and flexibile learning for learners which meets the requirements of the learners. The amendment I am bringing forward, which captures the Deputy’s view too, adds a specific provision to meet the needs of persons who are competent to speak the Irish language. This amendment is another example of how we are working to strengthen the provisions in regard to the Irish language in the Bill. I move amendment No. 122 and respectfully suggest it encapsulates what amendment No. 125 was seeking to do.