Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Ní aontaíonn Teachtaí Shinn Féin leis an moladh chun an rún, athcheapadh an Choimisinéara Teanga -tá botún ansin - a glacadh gan díospóireacht. Is annamh a bhíonn seans againn an teanga Gaeilge agus stádas na teanga a phlé sa Teach seo. Ba chóir díospóireacht a bheith againn. Is cearta teanga atá i gceist anseo, rud atá á phlé sna cainteanna ó Thuaidh faoi láthair. Inár thuairimse, is seans maith é seo stádas an teanga Gaeilge a phlé anseo sa Dáil.

I recall that the Taoiseach practised and encouraged the use of the Irish language for a considerable period after his appointment to his present office. He described it in his opening address as an important focus of his tenure. I hope he will agree that the appointment of an Coimisinéir Teanga is an appropriate opportunity for Members to debate the state of the Irish language in this jurisdiction. We will have a lost opportunity if we take this proposition without debate. My Sinn Féin colleagues and I believe we should avail of the opportunity to focus on stádas na Gaeilge ag an am seo.

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