Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 26:

In page 50, to delete lines 14 to 39.

This is something we discussed on Committee Stage in relation to the Official Languages Act 2003. We resubmitted the amendment because we feel so strongly on it.

I will not go through the arguments because we must finish by 2 o'clock, which is unfortunate. Considering the number of amendments, we probably should have had a little more time on it.

Anything that diminishes the standing of the Irish language must be opposed by all Deputies in this House. I repeat my complete shock on hearing that it was the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who asked for this amendment to be included. We will be pressing the amendment to a vote.

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