Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Déanaim comhghairdeas le Rónán Ó Domhnaill, atá ainmnithe ag an Rialtas le ceapadh ag an Uachtarán don phost mar Choimisinéir Teanga. Tá díomá orm, áfach, gur éirigh an Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, as oifig. Dúirt sé agus é ag éirí as oifig: "Ní fhaca mé in imeacht 30 bliain mar iriseoir nó mar Choimisinéir Teanga an oiread ísle brí agus lagmhisnigh." It was a sad moment when the first ombudsman ever for the language resigned and felt so dispirited.

We have work to do in this regard. It was a mistake not to have democratic elections to Údarás na Gaeltachta, particularly with a "cúóta na mban". This would have made a substantial difference to the next elections. We have a lot of ground to make up to restore faith and misneach don teanga. Fuair an iar-Choimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, níos mó ná 6,000 gearán maidir le cearta teanga, 28% díobh ón Ghaeltacht. These issues must be dealt with. There is great support for the extension of oral Irish in exams. We put too much emphasis on Irish as a written language and the increase in the points to be allocated for the oral element of Irish as a spoken language, to 40%, is very welcome. This development must be encouraged.

In TCD recently, Linda Ervine, from the PUP spoke about Irish language lessons taking place in east Belfast. This is a development, but it is a disappointment that, as the Council of Europe pointed out, the language rights Bill in Stormont was blocked. Perhaps in the context of cross-Border issues, we should consider the rights of the Ulster-Scots language and an Ghaeilge in the North of Ireland.

I wish Rónán Ó Domhnaill every success. He is well known around the Houses, is popular and well liked and I am sure he will do a good job. However, the job will be somewhat difficult. A lack of hope brought 10,000 people onto the streets last Saturday and a mending of fences is required. As I said, I have felt we should not have replaced the democratically elected údarás by a nominated or appointed body. However, we will always look forward in hope. I hope the developments in east Belfast will inspire people and that the growth of Gaelscoileanna and in the number of people wishing to go to the Gaeltacht to learn Irish- bigger numbers than ever - will do the same.

In the wider Europe, the growth of interest in Welsh, Scottish and other minority languages shows this is not an isolated issue. This is about respect for minorities and their language rights. It is an enrichment for all of us to have that diversity. I wish the coimisinéir and an tAire Stáit every success and hope the appointment heralds a new era for the development of the language.