Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Is mian liom tagairt a dhéanamh i dtaobh an Bille Gaeltachta a bheidh os comhair an Tí um tráthnóna. Bille fíor thábhachtach é seo a bhaineann le stádas na Gaeilge, chan amháin sa Ghaeltacht ach taobh amuigh di fosta.

The Second Stage of the Gaeltacht Bill 2012 is before the House later today. It deeply disappointments me, however, that the scheduling of this House gives little opportunity for any of the Irish language organisations, or people in Gaeltacht areas, to make their views known to Members of the Oireachtas before Committee Stage next Tuesday. Members of this House only have from 6 p.m. today until 11 a.m. tomorrow to table amendments to the legislation. That time is insufficient so I am calling for Committee Stage to be put back by at least two weeks to allow us to scrutinise the Bill and reflect on what the Minister has to say. He may or may not provide reassurances, but democracy should at least prevail. If the Leader indicates that the Minister is unwilling to do that, I will be tabling an amendment to the Order of Business.