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

I will be making a similar argument on gender quotas in the context of a later amendment. This is why we included the phrase "where practicable" when we drafted the amendment. We are not insisting that three of the ten members be fluent Irish speakers. Where a capacity exists within a local authority, that should be the aim. This is why we tabled the amendment.

If we are serious about promoting the Irish language, these boards will have a huge responsibility in terms of training and education. For that reason alone, it is important members of the board are able to carry out their functions in Irish if necessary.

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