Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 23:

In page 28, before section 43, to insert the following new section:

"43—The Act of 2000 is amended by inserting the following section after section 2:

'Irish Language.

2A. The Minister shall do all that is reasonable possible to ensure that during the Irish Presidency of the European Union, the Irish Language is recognised as an official language of the European Union.' "

This amendment arises from concern for the equality of the Irish language. I am critical of the failure of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, to have Irish recognised as an official language within the EU. It will be a long time before we can expect such an opportunity to present itself again.

As I said on Second Stage, our MEPs in Europe are currently not in a position to stand up and speak in Irish if they so wish. This denies those MEPs who wish to and are capable of speaking in Irish a great opportunity to do so. It is an equality issue for many people in Ireland who see and use Irish as their first language. For those of us who would aspire to have it officially recognised, it is an equality issue. With the entry of the accession states to the EU there will be a further eight or nine languages. It is a shame that Irish is not formally recognised as an official EU language. I am asking the Minister of State to accept this amendment, if he can, and to do everything possible during the EU Presidency to ensure that Irish is recognised as an official language within the EU.