John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I apologise for my personal inability in this respect. While I have a certain amount of Irish I would not feel comfortable or competent to give an adequate response in Irish. I regard that as a failing. My Irish was learned in school. I did not live in an Irish speaking community.

The Senator made a valid point that the question was put in Irish. With the way the business of the Houses is conducted, relatively short notice of this was given. Had it been possible, the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, would have responded in Irish quite competently as the Senator would be aware, but unfortunately he was not in a position to be here because the way of the business is conducted. The Senator also asked why another Minister of State was not asked to respond. In regard to this case, I am in this Department with the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív. I have made my apologies and I take the Senator's point on board.