Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí a labhair. I gcónaí nuair a bhíonn ábhair a bhaineann leis an Ghaeilge, is iontach an líon dhuine a thagann isteach chun a gcuid Gaeilge a úsáid, a thaispeánann nach bhfuil an Ghaeilge chomh dona i measc pholaiteoirí na tíre is a cheapann daoine eile.

This Bill has a particularly narrow focus. I wish to reiterate that the introduction of this amendment is not a reflection on NUI Galway's past scholarly achievements and learning, or on any research carried out there. NUI Galway has requested that it be allowed to adapt for future employment requirements, not requirements for learning, teaching or any scholarly work that continues in that wonderful university.

However, given the demands, particularly in the fields of science and technology, we must be more international in our outlook. This is why I adopted a rather narrow approach in my opening remarks. A couple of legal cases have led to a fear among the authorities in NUI Galway that they may have a potential barrier which might affect any future appointments they might make. Sin an fáth go bhfuil an Bille seo ag teacht.

Debates on the value of education and the value of universities should take place regularly. Undoubtedly, it would be beneficial to have such a debate in this House on another day. I agree entirely that the world would be a far duller place without historians, linguists, poets, writers, Deputy Michael D. Higgins and similar people who add such colour and excitement to our lives from the humanities disciplines. The economy is not the sole focus, as I have made quite clear in all speeches which I have given this year regarding third level education. This is particularly the case in the manner in which I have resisted suggestions by the OECD that the humanities council should be merged with the science council. There are no circumstances in which I would accept such a recommendation, because education and the relationship between the universities and society is far broader than that. We all benefit from the interaction and learning of others.

Maidir leis an Gaeilge, aithníonn gach duine sa Teach go bhfuil fadhb ann. Tá fadhb ann maidir le múineadh na Gaeilge agus múineadh na Gaeilge go háirithe ins na scoileanna ag an dara léibhéal. Ach aithnímid go bhfuil meath ins an Ghaeltacht.

However, for the second time this week, Members have witnessed serious differences between the educational policies adopted by the major Opposition parties. Unfortunately, when it comes to our native Irish language, the attitude of Fine Gael appears to be that if there is a problem, it should be killed; if it is unpopular, it should be removed; and if international languages are more successful, our own native one should be replaced.

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