asked the Minister for Finance if he will state Government policy on Irish following the report of Comhairle na Gaeilge; and whether he proposes to take any immediate action on the recommendations of the report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government's Irish Policy.
12.
Comhairle na Gaeilge have published a number of reports; I assume the question refers to the report "Implementing a Language Policy" which was published on 26th June.
The Government's policy on the Irish language is set out in the White Paper of 1965. An Chomhairle's recommendations on language use accord generally with the broad objectives indicated in the White Paper. As regards An Chomhairle's recommendations for the reorganisation of the administrative structures dealing with the Irish language, these are being examined and decisions on them will be announced as soon as possible.
(Cavan): Am I right in thinking that the Minister for Education did indicate that the Government are, or at least he himself is rethinking the policy in regard to Irish, especially as regards the compulsory aspect of it?
I cannot quote from memory the exact words used by the Minister for Education but I think what he conveyed was that in relation to the necessity to pass in Irish in the leaving certificate, he was examining the situation to see if this could be eliminated while at the same time ensuring a policy at least as effective, if not more effective, in regard to Irish.
(Cavan): Could the Minister say when the policy of the Government will be clarified on this matter following the statement by the Minister for Education?
That examination is still continuing and I could not anticipate when the result will be.
Is the Minister aware that in recent examinations for the Garda Síochána and prison officers quite a number of most desirable and highly qualified personnel passed in every respect except the Irish text? Does he think it is desirable that such people should be deprived of employment simply because they do not qualify in Irish when the amount of work they will have to perform afterwards in Irish is extremely limited? Surely the Government will have to give serious consideration to the manner in which this is obstructing people from having a livelihood in their own country? I am a very strong advocate of the Irish language but the Minister must see that it is not right that the language should be used as a barrier against any citizen having work at home in his own country.
I am not aware that the facts are as stated by the Deputy.
Question No. 13.
(Cavan): Is it not true that the regulations were relaxed in regard to the appointment of prison officers in respect of Irish?
I could not say offhand. The Deputy will appreciate that we are getting very far from the question of implementing the most recent report of Comhairle na Gaeilge.
(Cavan): It was probably a very wide report.
Would the Minister agree that no steps should be taken which would leave Gaeltacht areas without personnel representing central Government, gardaí, teachers or even clergy who are unable to speak and carry out their business in Irish? In respect of this will any action be taken pretty soon on the whole matter of setting up an authority for the Gaeltacht areas?
The answer to both parts of the Deputy's supplementary is "Yes".