Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

Bíonn mé ag iarraidh caint leis i nGaeilge beagnach an t-am go léir, ach beagnach an t-am go léir níl sé in ann mé a thuiscint. Members must ask themselves why, after six years in our national school system, I cannot carry out a basic conversation in Irish with my son. He has reasonable competence, has had excellent teachers and Members must ask how effective is the system whereby our language is taught. At this point, we must have one aim only, that is, upon departure from the national school system a child could be dropped into the middle of Connemara and would be able to hold a basic conversation with a native speaker. This is not being achieved and Members must ask the Minister to examine the issue in a new, fresh and innovative manner. I would greatly welcome the opportunity to speak on that issue, should the Minister choose to appear in the Seanad.