Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an mBille. Gabhaim buíochas leis an tAire as ucht na reachtaíochta seo a chur os comhair an tSeanaid agus a mhíniú.

The Bill is being introduced in the context of the official recognition in the European Union of Gaeilge as an official and working language of the Union. The basic purpose is that there be an adequate number of barristers and solicitors capable of practising law in the language and that, in general, the professions have an adequate knowledge to deal with documents in Irish.

Fine Gael welcomes the Bill. The way it is structured in terms of the provision of a basic course and an advanced course by the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland and King's Inns accommodates different views on the way the matter is dealt with. I am aware it allays many of the concerns of a number of groups which are anxious that there will be offered at least a basic course in Irish. In practising in the Law Library I am always surprised by the number of barristers with total proficiency in the language and who regularly act in cases held through Irish. On the capacity of the Bar, I can vouch for some outstanding barristers who are capable of fulfilling the objective of the legislation.

I have one question for the Minister. We have a situation where one can qualify as a barrister without necessarily sitting an examination in the language. There are some who have passed the examination but have not sat the examination in Irish or perhaps have failed an examination either in the Law Society of Ireland or King's Inns. Are they being accommodated? Is there an element of retrospection to deal with the few qualified lawyers who have been caught, as it were, by their lack of proficiency in the language?

I note the case of Dr. Art Cosgrave, the former president of University College Dublin, who in a sense was a conscientious objector in sitting the examination last year and wonder whether that type of case can be or has been addressed by the Minister. That is the only question I have about the Bill. In general, I am happy with its construction and formulation.