Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan. He need not be worried. His heart is in the right place. Ní fhéadfaidh sé aon náire a bheith air.

I recall his contribution to the debate on the Irish language some time ago here in the Dáil where he spoke from the heart and I remember some of the valid constructive points he made at that time. They were almost semi-autobiographical, if I can put it that way. He told of his experience of going to school and I do not think he understood "Ní thuigim". He could not buy a loaf through Irish but he was able to give a literary analysis of "An Droimeann Donn Dílis" - My Faithful Brown Cow. Is it not all there?

Certainly, we must look at other ways of passing on the language. As far as the Department of Education and Skills is concerned, there is a top-level committee of senior officials from my Department and the Department of Education and Skills looking at ways and means that we can improve the teaching of language at that level.

As the Deputy stated, perhaps more fluently than I can put it because I have not got the time either, the days of talk and chalk are no longer acceptable and we must look at new ways, means and technology. Even today, I had someone in the Department from Trinity College who had new ways and means of teaching Irish through the new technology games etc. There are huge possibilities out there and we merely must sit down to try to figure them out and exploit them for the benefit of the language to ensure it is passed on to the next generation.

I remember what Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan said. He made many relevant points. I appreciate his contribution.

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