Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Beidh mé ag roinnt ama le mo chomhghleacaí, an Teachta Connolly. Níl Gaeilge mhaith agam mar sin ba mhaith liom Béarla a labhairt.

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I support the legislation and its intention to amend an tAcht um Údarás na Gaeltachta, 1979 to change the current nomination and selection process governing the appointment of the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta under the Gaeltacht Act 2012. I always disagreed with the nomination process that has been in place since 2012 and I welcome the return of the election process which is far more fair and democratic. The Irish language is an essential part of our cultural heritage and national identity. It is steeped in tradition and history but there is also a very important place for the language in present-day Ireland and for generations to come. We need to value the role the langugage plays in modern-day Ireland and realise its full potential. We must also value the importance of Gaeltacht areas and preserving and strengthening the national language. Údarás na Gaeltachta plays a vital role in ensuring this.

Since its establishment Údarás na Gaeltachta has done much to develop the Gaeltacht economy and to strengthen and preserve Irish as the main language in those regions. It has focused mainly on industrial development, regional development, community development and language planning and has made many gains in these areas. However, it is clear that Údarás na Gaeltachta lacks a culture and heritage focus and I believe this is something we should consider. Economic development should be celebrated but cultural development is what will enrich our Gaeltacht regions and instil a deep appreciation of our language. Culture, heritage and community are what give our language its soul and we must not forget that in our pursuit of economic gains. It is for this reason that I believe an t-údarás should consider its functions and maybe the appointment of a new board will create an opportunity for this.

As I said, I welcome the new election process and the fact that all candidates must have Irish language proficiency, have relevant experience and skills and be living in the Gaeltacht region. This will help to ensure the Gaeltacht is properly represented. I also welcome that the three smallest Gaeltacht counties, Gaeltacht Mhúscraí, Gaeltacht na Mí agus Gaeltacht na nDéise will now have permanent representation to ensure a more representative board.

A review of an t-údarás by Dr. Bríd Quinn and BDO made some interesting suggestions following a consultation process which informed the recommendations of the review. I agree with the view that the election of candidates should be nominated by the public rather than political parties and that board members should not be members of the local authority, Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas or a Member of the European Parliament. I am glad to see the legislation has included this. Also included in the legislation under section 6 is an amendment to section 8 of the principal Act by inserting:

An tÚdarás may sell or otherwise dispose of land to an approved housing body (within the meaning of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019) or to a housing authority (within the meaning of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992) for the provision of housing in the Gaeltacht.

Although I welcome the selling of land to a local authority for the provision of housing in the Gaeltacht I do not agree with selling it to housing bodies. I strongly feel that local authorities should have the responsiblity of housing in Gaeltacht regions and the country as a whole. It is vital to ensure that the availablity of affordable housing in Gaeltacht areas such as Glencolmcille and Gweedore so that people have the opportunity to live and work in these communities and to contribute to the preservation of the Irish language and culture as well. It should be the responsibility of the councils to ensure that vital provision because the councils operate in every area and it is their responsiblity.

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