Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as na leasuithe a mhol sé. We have come a long way and I acknowledge the large amount of work that has been done in moving towards a Bill that is much more acceptable in terms of promotion of the Irish language. However, there are areas where I still disagree with the Minister. Even at this stage, he could go a little further in line with the provisions of the Official Languages Act, as amended. In amendment No. 29, for example, I am asking that the title of a new institution - the national apprenticeship office - also have its Irish-language title. That this should happen when a new body is being set up is a provision under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021, so I am not asking for something that should not be done. The Act is new and has not been fully triggered, but it has been passed and enacted and it has been signed by the President. It will be started fully this week, though. Last night, the Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs announced that An Coiste Comhairleach would be set up this week. It is a little late, but we will accept a day or two. The Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, has also accepted this provision. He has moved to recognise "An Coimisiún Toghcháin" for the electoral commission in line with the Act. However, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, has not accepted it, stating that the Act has not been commenced. Her legislation, which is before us on the same Stage, has to do with a commission for judicial appointments, in respect of which I have set out the terms. These are just a few examples.

Regarding amendment No. 22, the Minister is correct that statistical information can be gathered. We are just trying to ensure that it was not forgotten about. I was specific with this amendment because we recently tried to gather information on Irish language courses and the number of pupils engaged in them, but it is not available. We want to ensure that when statistical information is gathered in future, it is also gathered on the Irish language.

I am happy with the Minister's amendments.

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