Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I, too, join in the expressions of sympathy on the death of Mr. John Carty. He was a good colleague and very warm friend. He had so many interests. We may be getting an opportunity on a future occasion to expand on these sentiments. I sympathise with John's family. His death came as a great shock to us all.

Ar ábhar eile, mar is eol don Teach, beidh an Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, ag éirí as a phost go luath agus tá conspóid ag fás, diadh ar ndiaidh, maidir leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. Nuair a bhí an straitéis á phlé, ghlacadh leis d'aonghuth. Ach anois, tá daoine buartha nach mbeidh ar ár gcumas an straitéis sin a chur i bhfeidhm. Nuair a tháing an Coimisinéir Teanga isteach go dtí comhchoiste an Oireachtais chun é sin a phlé, bhí sé soiléir go raibh sé féin buartha faoi sin chomh maith. Tá an-chuid rudaí nach bhfuil ag tarlú. Níl go leor daoine, mar shampla sa státcóras chun seirbhísí a chur ar fáil. Níl aon earcaíocht ar siúl chun daoine breise a fháil, cé go bhfuil sin geallta ag an Aire Stáit anois. Perhaps for the first time in the history of the State, there was unanimous support for a strategy. The 20-year strategy enjoyed considerable cross-party support and goodwill, not only during debates in the Oireachtas but also during consultation with all the various players. I am a little concerned and worried, however, about the controversy that is now developing. I hope that all of us, in all parties, will make a special effort to regain the energy and commitment put into the strategy. There is not a Member of the Oireachtas who is not committed to the Irish language. I was absolutely thrilled that we got away from the political-football attitude to the language. The debates here were absolutely wonderful. I am a little concerned at present. The Minister of State, Deputy Dinny McGinley, will appear before the joint committee in the near future to debate the issues that were raised by the commissioner. Mr. Seán Ó Cuireáin is a very honest person and a man of integrity. He was very open and committed, and he is a very decent man. When someone like him expresses such concerns, we need to listen very closely.

I ask the Leader to consider a further opportunity to debate Seanad reform. We all received a few minutes to do so yesterday but it is not a good idea just to have a debate and then forget about it. Senator Barrett is quite correct that we need to take this issue seriously. There are great people in this Chamber on all sides. We can make good contributions towards reform. I genuinely do not believe reform will come from the Dáil; it must start within the Seanad.