Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 2: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to widespread dissatisfaction with and loss of confidence in Foras na Gaeilge among Irish language organisations; if he plans to take action urgently to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5857/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Deputies will agree with me that Foras na Gaeilge is doing important work in promoting the advancement of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland and that the activities of the voluntary organisations are a fundamental part of that. It is essential, therefore, that there be an effective partnership in place between Foras and the voluntary organisations in order that their common aims in relation to the Irish language can be achieved. That principle of partnership is specifically recognised in the business plan of Foras. In that context, I was disappointed that division arose between Foras and the voluntary organisations, which related primarily, as I understand, to a new system the Foras has introduced in relation to the funding of the organisations.

The Deputies will understand that it is a question for Foras na Gaeilge to make decisions on the awarding of grants in accordance with the legislative framework within which it operates and in accordance with its corporate and business plans. I need hardly add that it is imperative that good governance should be applied by both Foras and the voluntary organisations in the expenditure of public moneys and proper accountability for that funding.

I understand that there have been recent meetings between a representative group from the voluntary organisations, in addition to the voluntary groups themselves, with Foras to discuss these issues. There has also been a meeting between representatives of the organisations and officials of my Department to discuss this matter. I am advised that a consultative process is under way at present between Foras and the voluntary organisations with the aim of resolving this matter. Officials of my Department will be available, if appropriate, to assist the process in any way possible.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. I purposely tabled this question in English because there are many people who are favourable towards the Irish language but whose standard of Irish is not sufficient to follow a debate such as this.

I found it disturbing to recently read of a survey carried out by Foinse of 30 organisations dealing with the Irish language. There was unilateral condemnation of the way Foras is working. Matters raised included a lack of strategy and understanding, and too much secrecy. The organisations felt there was no proper dialogue between them and Foras.

Lately, the Minister has made some moves in this regard but he should have been more on top of what was happening before matters developed to this stage. For 30 organisations to be so negative towards Foras in a survey is a bad development in terms of the Irish language. Will the Minister state exactly what he will do to ensure this situation is rectified quickly in regard to the promotion and development of the Irish language in the future?

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I once again stress that Foras na Gaeilge operates under a clear legislative framework. The role of the Ministers — the two Ministers effectively act jointly in relation to Foras — is quite clear. What is also patently clear is that, subject to operating within the business plan and proper procedures, Foras is free to make its own day to day decisions and it would be inappropriate for the Minister to interfere unduly on two grounds. First, it is an independent body with its own board and, second, as I pointed out, it is a North-South body and, therefore, it takes two Ministers to make decisions on Foras. Every decision made in the context of An Foras Teanga, which comprises the Ulster-Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge, is made and signed off jointly by the two Ministers. I have called publicly on both Foras na Gaeilge and the organisations to work in a spirit of partnership. If appropriate my Department is willing to facilitate the process. However, it is out of the question that the Minister would give orders in this case as it would be beyond his powers.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I do not accept what the Minister has said. When an organisation is performing as badly as the organisations with which it deals have made clear in a recent survey, there is a need to intervene. For instance, it might be necessary to consider the board and its constitution. It is possible for the Minister to take action. It is unacceptable and would be very bad for the development of the Irish language if this problem were not addressed quickly.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It is a purely subjective value judgment as to how well or badly the Foras is operating. The Deputy is clearly basing his judgment on the survey of organisations carried out by Foinse. I must consider whether and how Foras operates within its business plan. As long as it operates within this plan and has followed good procedure, the Minister has no role in the matter. The Opposition's approach to State agencies is a bit of a pick and mix. Sometimes the Opposition calls on us to stand back and have independent agencies. On other days when those independent agencies make decisions with which the public might not be too happy, politicians are called upon to interfere in matters that do not come within their ambit. I try to steer a proper middle road in these issues.

I am clear as to my role and have fulfilled it totally. However, I need to be very careful, as a very bad precedent would be created if I overstepped my role. I understand that since the article was published discussions have taken place. I agree with the Deputy that it is very bad for the image of the Irish language to have warring factions arguing over issues such as this. I have urged both Foras na Gaeilge and the various organisations involved to sit down and thrash out whatever difficulties they have. In doing that I hope they will resolve the issues. Change in the system of funding is taking place and it is a normal human reaction to find change difficult.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Question No. 3.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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As I understand it——

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have exceeded the six minutes.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I have one brief supplementary question. I understand no annual report has been published since 1999, which must be of concern to the Minister and surely he should intervene.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has made his point and we must move on.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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An bhfuil cead agam an cheist a fhreagairt?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will allow the Minister to reply.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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While the annual report forms part of the accounts, an Foras Teanga must submit them. Foras na Gaeilge has made accounts available for 2001, 2002 and 2003 to the Comptroller and Auditor General. A very complicated system of bringing the accounts together exists as two sections are involved. These accounts will be published as quickly as possible. Once one set has been completed, we will have the template for following with those for 2001, 2002 and 2003. I would like to clarify that——

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The time has concluded and I ask the Minister to give way to the Minister of State to answer Question No. 3.