Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the name change to Éire Ireland, which was announced by the Government. We are following in the footsteps of Finland and Belgium. I also believe the Seanad played a role by holding a good debate on securing recognition for Irish as a working language in the EU. Having our MEPs present for debates was helpful in that regard.

I have previously raised the issue of how the Irish version of the names of towns and villages has been changed. While I do not wish to get involved in discussing whether Dingle is An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis, the name of Gort in Irish is, and always will be, Gort Inse Guaire, although it could be Gort Inse Brazil at present. However, it is now being given the placename of An Gort but An Gort has nothing whatever to do with Gort Inse Guaire. These names should be examined in the same way an Coimisiún Logainmneacha is examining the history of the names. I hope this will be considered by the Government.