Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank Mr. Ó Neachtáin for coming here. At the end of his speech he mentioned his belief in the Irish language as a national identifier, particularly within Europe. This morning we had a small debate on that issue involving three or four members who said that while we recognise it as our national language, in Europe it is not so recognised. The present incumbent in the Chair, Senator Ó Murchú, has spoken to the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, about it. Can Mr. Ó Neachtáin see how this might develop in the future and how we should go about ensuring that the language is given the significance in Europe which we ascribe to it?