asked the Taoiseach whether, in view of all the existing circumstances, he will consider the setting up of an all-Party committee charged with the task of drawing up an agreed programme for the revival of Irish as the spoken language of the people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revival of Irish.
So far as the revival of Irish can be assisted by State action. I am satisfied that the appropriate instrument for that purpose is the Government and that no advantage would be gained by the establishment of an all-Party committee, as suggested in the Deputy's question.
Will the Taoiseach, perhaps, reconsider that in the light of the public expression of dissatisfaction made by the Gaelic League in connection with the use of Irish in the Oireachtas and the Civil Service? Would the Taoiseach not consider that this is a major outstanding national problem which should be approached in the same way as Partition was approached, by the setting up of an all-Party committee?
No. So far from achieving the purpose by the suggestion embodied in the question, I think the setting up of such a committee might very easily have the opposite effect.
In view of the high incidence of emigration from the Gaeltacht areas generally, would the Taoiseach not agree that the first step would be to provide employment for as many as possible at home?
That is a separate question.
That matter has been attended to, as was announced in the House last week or the week before.