Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The time has come to deal with this. The Government has made a clear decision about the structure and nature of the new údarás and what its function, role and responsibility will be. I accept Deputy Adams's assertion that he does not cast any slight upon the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, who has had a passion for the Irish language from childhood and since he came into the House. I also accept the Deputy's observation that we have not measured up in terms of having our language flourish as it should. It is true that the number of daily speakers has declined seriously; however, it is also true that many more people have a smattering of the language now than was the case previously, although perhaps they do not have the opportunity to use it often.

It is also very obvious that the urbanisation of Ireland has had a direct impact, with 55% of people now living in the greater urban areas. In this city, i gcathair Átha Cliath, tá i bhfad níos mó Gaeilge á labhairt anois ná mar a bhí le blianta fada.

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