Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I believe Government policies since the foundation of the State, rather than strengthening the Irish language, have left it to drift and then plummet downwards. Following our independence, our language was in a fairly healthy state. The oral tradition in non-Gaeltacht areas was still strong in the early 20th century. The older generation had a reasonable command of the language and it was actively spoken in homes and communities, and was still regarded at that time as being our official language. However, the economic climate before and after the Second World War left us in dire straits and it did not help matters that there was forced emigration. Even during the war years, a huge number of labourers and carpenters from rural Ireland were trying to maintain Britain, London in particular. There was a huge exodus of the younger generation. That led to a mindset whereby the Irish language was not seen as being of much use. There was no other option but to get out of the country because there were no possibilities here given the knock-on effects of the war. Therefore, people felt it was futile to foster the language in homes and communities.

At that time, people felt their livelihood would have to be made abroad. I believe we are in a similar mindset today given thousands of our younger generation are exiled. A certain amount of that is what we would call forced emigration, and it is again giving a negative view of the Irish language as being of no use to those perhaps going to the Continent or further abroad.

In the previous century, the Irish language was only taken seriously at national school level by those going on to second and third level, where there was a need to enhance their progress, especially for Civil Service jobs. It was a necessity for those striving to undertake further education but, outside of this cohort, there was huge negativity and apathy towards the language. In many cases, people were not going to carry on beyond primary school education or beyond second year of secondary level. The introduction of free secondary education gave a mild boost and was a help. There was a compulsory aspect if a person wanted to carry on to third level to get the job they desired, and that was also some help in fostering the language.

We can learn from the Welsh experience. There is a huge revival of the Welsh language which has been achieved through active engagement in the community and also through co-ordination with the school system. We should look at the model they have developed there because the Minister of State might be able to make that model work in the Irish system. We can certainly take a good example from that.

I compliment the Minister of State on developing his language ability.

The Minister of State would have performed excellently in another Department, as well as if not better than he is doing currently. In regard to matters pertaining to Gaeltacht areas, I believe proficiency in the language is essential. The Minister of State is certainly getting towards that now.

The approach taken shows the Government attitude. The Irish Language Commissioner resigned recently and we are not meeting the 3% target of proficiency in the public service. The Government commitment is lacking and needs to be re-examined.

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