Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has answered the question about the application of the Freedom of Information Act to Foras na Gaeilge. I am anxious, as was my predecessor, to make as much information as possible available. The Deputy asked how we can respond to requests for information that are made on behalf of citizens, for example. I am prepared to explore that with Members of the House, if that would be of help. In response to the Deputy's original question, I have read comments in newspapers on the question of whether an evaluation of the work of Foras na Gaeilge, for example in respect of Irish language teaching, has been carried out. As I understand it, a great deal of research about the standard of Irish was conducted prior to the launch of the straitéis 20 bliain. Some of the findings of that research are in the public domain. The findings relating to those who have experienced the learning of Irish and the confidence of some teachers in their capacity to teach Irish do not make pleasant reading. I expect that the straitéis, which is before an Oireachtas sub-committee at the moment, will explore how we can improve that. We all have views on the things that need to be done to improve the learning and teaching of Irish. Such matters are integral to the 20-year strategy, as well as to the pleananna Gaeilge which it will be necessary to introduce and implement as soon as the strategy is in place.

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