Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

This year marks the centenary of the birth of Máirtín Ó Cadhain, a writer of world standard, who wrote staunchly in the Irish language and defended the language and Gaeltacht areas — one could argue he would have excelled in any language. Like many other literary people of his time, he was ill served by the State and was interned for his republican beliefs. I understand a stamp is being issued by An Post, which I welcome. What else will the Government do to mark the centenary of his birth? I suggest an Irish language scholarship or a bursary for writing in Irish would be appropriate. Will the Taoiseach take up these suggestions?

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