Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

It is a purely subjective value judgment as to how well or badly the Foras is operating. The Deputy is clearly basing his judgment on the survey of organisations carried out by Foinse. I must consider whether and how Foras operates within its business plan. As long as it operates within this plan and has followed good procedure, the Minister has no role in the matter. The Opposition's approach to State agencies is a bit of a pick and mix. Sometimes the Opposition calls on us to stand back and have independent agencies. On other days when those independent agencies make decisions with which the public might not be too happy, politicians are called upon to interfere in matters that do not come within their ambit. I try to steer a proper middle road in these issues.

I am clear as to my role and have fulfilled it totally. However, I need to be very careful, as a very bad precedent would be created if I overstepped my role. I understand that since the article was published discussions have taken place. I agree with the Deputy that it is very bad for the image of the Irish language to have warring factions arguing over issues such as this. I have urged both Foras na Gaeilge and the various organisations involved to sit down and thrash out whatever difficulties they have. In doing that I hope they will resolve the issues. Change in the system of funding is taking place and it is a normal human reaction to find change difficult.

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