Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I endorse Senator Feargal Quinn's views on the proposed boycott of the Olympic Games. I made a point on this yesterday morning. I do not believe this is the road to go. Those of us with a knowledge of China know it has made a great effort in recent years to open up to the rest of the world. I fully understand people's concerns, some of which I share, in respect of the treatment of Tibet as shown on our television screens. However, I believe this is not the right road to take.

Ar maidin, labhair an Tánaiste faoi stádas na Gaeilge i saol an náisiúin. Ní an gnáth cúpla focal a bhí aige: labhair sé go h-ilghabhálach faoin cheist agus thug sé geallúint dúinn go mbeadh an cheist seo i dtús áite aige an fhad agus a bheidh sé mar cheannaire agus mar Thaoiseach. Chuir sé ionadh orm an méid ama a chaith sé ar an ábhar. Glacaim leis an méid a dúirt an Seanadóir Ó Tuathail maidir le tuarascáil an coimisinéara, agus ar an mbonn sin, b'fhéidir gur fiú cuireadh a thabhairt don Taoiseach nua teacht go dtí an Teach le labhairt linn ar an ábhar nuair a bheidh sé ina Thaoiseach.

I was exceptionally impressed by the amount of time the Tánaiste gave to the subject of the Irish language this morning. It was not the customary few words but a comprehensive overview on the importance of Irish in the life of the nation. It was one of the best overviews on it I have heard since I entered public life. He also gave a personal commitment that he would work towards the promotion, enhancement and expansion of the status of Irish. For that reason, the Leader might consider extending an invitation to the Tánaiste to come to the House to have a debate on the Irish language, given that he has put it on his priority list. That would be the right level at which we should start that debate because in this House there is unanimity on the importance of the Irish language. I have observed that in debates. The language does not belong to any political party but to the nation. We have seen that in the debates here. The Irish language has official working status in Europe, there is new legislation on equality for Irish and there are the gaelscoileanna, TG4 and Radió na Gaeltachta. All these developments are important. Would it not be wonderful for us to be led by the Taoiseach elect on this subject? The Leader might consider that request.