Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

The publication of the first annual report of the Coimisinéir Teanga has created a stir. I criticised the Minister and the commissioner for the blame being apportioned to teachers. We will be better served by focusing on the main issue, an environment which is at best unsupportive of the Irish language. There is some truth in the contentions regarding the quality of teaching but it perverts the argument to focus on that aspect.

In his report, the commissioner emphasised the weakness of the Irish language throughout the public service. My concern is that everyone will laud the report as worthwhile but no action will be taken. The establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee would ensure a focus on what needs to be done in the various Departments and elsewhere. Until the issue is given a focus such as this, little or no progress will be made. The danger is that there will be plenty of publicity and positive appraisals but the report will be forgotten quickly.

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