Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

My grandfather, Sean Ó Cuív, proposed setting up the first Irish college in Baile na Gharraí in 1903. I, too, was involved in setting up an Irish college. The Irish colleges benefit the Irish language. Some 95% of people surveyed stated they are favourably disposed towards the language. I attribute much of this to the generations of people who have had positive experiences learning the language in the Gaeltacht. The Irish language has brought Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht areas together. I have often remarked that many people here have an attachment to Gaeltacht areas be it in Donegal, Mayo, Kerry or Galway. It is good to note that the numbers of people visiting the Gaeltacht are holding up despite the downturn in the economy. The only significant drop has been in Donegal.

Everybody, including the media and the Opposition, agrees that cutbacks are necessary but no one will state in what areas these cutbacks should be made. The Government will have to make hard choices and will have to make cutbacks. However, in making those hard choices I will reflect on the support Deputy Ring has shown today for the Irish colleges. I take from the Deputy's support that regardless of what cuts are imposed by my Department he would not wish to see any in this area.

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