Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I refer to what has been said about the negotiations between Government and the trade unions over the past 48 hours. I join other Senators in welcoming the discussions and the commitment from the trade union movement to discuss with Government the seriousness of the situation. However, I seek clarification to ensure these proposals will not have detrimental effects on public services. I welcome the fact that strike action will not take place tomorrow and public services will be provided tomorrow. Many local authorities and departmental sections are under pressure currently to provide the services and a cut of 12 days in such areas may have a detrimental effect. I am not suggesting this would be the case but I seek clarification on the effects.

Foilsíodh an plean 20 bliain don Ghaeilge an tseachtain seo caite ag an Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta. Leagtar amach straitéis ann 20 bliain idir na Ranna Rialtais i dtaca leis an Ghaeilge ar fud an oileáin agus cuirim fáilte roimh an tuarascáil sin a thabharfaidh todhchaí láidir don teanga, chan amháin sa Ghaeltacht ach ar fud an Stáit.

I welcome this 20-year strategic plan for the Irish language. I ask for a debate on that document as soon as possible and on the role of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, of which Senator Ó Murchú is a member. The first step would be to feed the moltaí or recommendations back to that committee and to the Minister. I hope that, subsequent to the work of the committee, this House would have an opportunity to discuss the document ahead of the Minister making any further decisions based on recommendations from the committee.