Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I purposely tabled this question in English because there are many people who are favourable towards the Irish language but whose standard of Irish is not sufficient to follow a debate such as this.

I found it disturbing to recently read of a survey carried out by Foinse of 30 organisations dealing with the Irish language. There was unilateral condemnation of the way Foras is working. Matters raised included a lack of strategy and understanding, and too much secrecy. The organisations felt there was no proper dialogue between them and Foras.

Lately, the Minister has made some moves in this regard but he should have been more on top of what was happening before matters developed to this stage. For 30 organisations to be so negative towards Foras in a survey is a bad development in terms of the Irish language. Will the Minister state exactly what he will do to ensure this situation is rectified quickly in regard to the promotion and development of the Irish language in the future?

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