asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange a scheme on the lines of the Fáinne scheme in the Garda Síochána whereby facilities for the study of the Irish language will be afforded to members of the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces and Irish Language.
As a written and oral knowledge of Irish is necessary to secure admission to the Gárda Síochána and as the standard of education for recruits to that force is higher than that for Army recruits, it is felt that the Gárda scheme could not be applied to the Army.
I am, however, having the question of facilitating members of the Defence Forces in securing the Fáinne examined.