Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

The Government is showing complete disregard for the concerns of Gaeltacht communities and Irish language organisations by pushing a highly deficient Gaeltacht Bill through the Oireachtas. Tá easpa muiníne ag pobail Gaeltachta agus ag daoine a dhéanann a gcuid oibre tré Ghaeilge i mBille na Gaeltachta. The Government has refused to hold proper consultations with Irish language organisations and Gaeltacht communities or to accept any amendments - not one amendment has been accepted from Sinn Féin or any of the other parties. As the Taoiseach knows, this Bill will strip Gaeltacht communities of their right to democratic representation on Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Government has also rejected any role for the Irish language commissioner in overseeing the various plans envisaged. This is despite the fact the office of An Coimisinéir Teanga is widely acknowledged as being the most effective and appropriate in this regard.

The Bill puts the bulk of responsibility on voluntary organisations and increases responsibilities for an unelected údarás and other local organisations but refuses to accept that any additional resources are required. It is being rushed through to avoid an údarás election. It should be withdrawn because it is bad legislation. Will the Government withdraw this Bill, go back to the drawing board and come back with a Bill more in keeping with the 20-year strategy for the language?

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