Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

In his inaugural report, the Coimisinéir Teanga called, as I have done, for a national debate on the teaching of the Irish language in schools. He also commented on the infrequency with which the language is used in debates in the Oireachtas.

The main part of the report was concerned with outlining how the coimisinéir has functioned and met the responsibilities of his office since his establishment. I wholeheartedly welcome the report and look forward to seeing the fruits over the coming years both of my Department's work in negotiating schemes with public bodies under the Act and the coimisinéir's work in monitoring and providing advice in regard to those schemes. There is a significant amount of work to be undertaken across a range of issues in regard to securing and advancing the situation of the Irish language and the Coimisinéir Teanga has made a welcome contribution to public debate on the issues.

The establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee would serve no useful purpose at this stage. The Deputy is aware that I have established Fóram na Gaeilge to advise me on, inter alia, how best to promote the Irish language in the 21st century. This will include advising me as to the desirability of a 20-year strategic plan with realistic goals for the Irish language in the State. There is a separate question to me about the fóram on today's Order Paper.

See this speech in context