Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing. Even with regard to the Minister of State's own brief, the 15 year period would have enormous cultural and linguistic significance in that the Gaeltacht areas were much more extensive with Irish speakers existing in counties that today have no Gaeltachtaí within their borders, and yet the Irish language and culture had the backing of the new State.

I am concerned about this black hole in our nation's memory as we move through the centenary celebrations. It is similar to the lack of progress around a digital legal deposit which means future researchers will not have the ability to research current issues, such as the campaigns on the referendum for civil marriage equality and repeal of the eighth referendum, where websites disappear within 100 days. There are parallels in the lack of progress on these issues.

Would it be possible to meet officials in the Department to discuss the issue? As I mentioned, I have a Bill on the Order Paper which seeks to create a special status around this legislation. I would be interested in following this up in a meeting with officials in the Department, if that was possible.