Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I do not know what has gone on behind the scenes here but I do not like it. This is a very important Bill and a lot of work has gone into it. There has been a lot of consultation and it is very welcome. At the same time, we are legislators and when it comes to finalising legislation it is important that everybody is given a hearing on it. The amendment proposed by Deputy Daly would strengthen the Bill. I do not see any reason the Minister of State would not accept the wording. It makes a statement of fact about ISL being an indigenous language in its own right which is used by a sizeable minority in the State. It is important to state that fact. It strengthens it and recognises it further, not just as a native language but as an indigenous language used by a great number of people. It is not just a small minority thing. It is a welcome proposal. I am concerned that there has been a lot of tick-tacking between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on this to the point where they seem to be excluding other people from having an input into this important Bill. Deputy Daly's contribution should be listened to properly and considered and I would very much welcome it.

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