Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's intervention and response is welcome and fitting for the subject in question. He has taken on board the views of the other Deputies. That is what governance and listening is all about. Taking on board viewpoints of others and trying to reach a sensible and objective conclusion will help and protect the interests of the most important people in this context, those who are availing of education in the schools.

Regarding the spoken word, a great many people learned Irish in schools that were not all-Irish schools where Irish was a curriculum subject. In later life they have tended to lose the language because, to use the motto, if you do not use it you lose it. Many students who have attended schools and colleges where all subjects were taught through Irish find the language has stayed with them and they are inclined to use it much more. That is reason many of those schools are very successful. It is also the reason many parents want their children to attend all-Irish schools if they live near them and can get a place in them. It is a sensible decision if it suits the families involved. This debate is very worthwhile. I thank the Minster for listening, understanding and reacting so far in a positive way.

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