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

Nílim chun dul trí leasú Uimh. 125 arís. Dhein mé é sin cheana. Tá díomá orm nach bhfuil an tAire ag glacadh leis an teideal Gaeilge sa chás seo. Díreoidh mé isteach ar leasuithe Uimh. 145, 149, 154, 158 agus 165. All of these amendments are to strengthen the legislation in regard to the Irish language and ensure that at every single level the Gaeltacht and Irish language is a specific part of the planning system.

I note that the Minister has tabled a later amendment to ensure there are plans for the islands and the Irish language, but it is not at every single level. It is not specifically for a national plan, an urban plan, or a regional plan. While we have protections or at least encouragement in terms of protecting and promoting the environment and other issues that are listed such as the protection of our architectural heritage it is wrong for us not to ensure that the use of the Irish language within the Gaeltacht planning areas is also protected and promoted. We must ensure that our national objective of restoring Irish as a spoken language is protected. Without issues being listed in the way I have outlined in the amendments, we will do a disservice to the Irish language, the Irish language community, and the need for community hubs and the like. I hope the Minister will reflect on the amendments again.

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