asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that there is not in existence any modern Irish grammar using the standard official forms and constructions and standard vocabularies of words that have been in use for 20 years in Acts of Parliament and statutory rules and orders; and whether, in order to promote the rapid spread of the Irish language as a modern language, he will see to it that this work is put in hands immediately and brought to a conclusion with all possible speed.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of standard Irish Forms.
The Oireachtas Translation Branch has been engaged for a considerable time past on the preparation of a modern Irish grammar of the type referred to by the Deputy. A booklet was published last July giving the outline of the main features of the proposed official standard; this was done so as to obtain the views and criticisms of persons and bodies interested in the subject before the standard was definitely adopted for official use. A more comprehensive edition of the booklet is now being prepared in consultation with various authorities on the subject and it is hoped to have the new edition available in a short time.
Could the Taoiseach say if the new edition is intended for vetting and for criticism or whether the new edition will be issued with something like the force of law?
No. The point was this. It was the same with the spelling. It was decided that there should be a standard form for official use. If the standard was satisfactory it was likely that it would then be adopted generally. The same approach is behind the effort to produce this manual, to have a standardised grammatical usage in so far as official use is concerned. The Department will, of course, take into account whatever criticisms they have got in regard to the first edition, and I am sure that even the second edition would not be the last word if subsequently they get satisfactory criticisms or suggestions for improvement.
What Department will take these into consideration?
What Department?
The Taoiseach said the Department would take these representations and criticisms into consideration.
Rannóg an Aistriúcháin — the translation staff.
Will the Taoiseach say what connection will the Department of Education have with the final review and decision in this matter?
They are consulted from time to time. I was, for example, present when there was such a consultation in regard to a certain particular aspect of it.
The Taoiseach realises that not only the spelling proposals but the grammar proposals were initiated without any reference to the Department of Education?
I do not know about the initiation. Somebody has to initiate, but the Department of Education was consulted at some stage — I do not know what stage.
The Taoiseach realises that it is hardly customary in a civilised country to initiate proposals in regard to grammar changes without consulting the Department of Education, if that country has a Department of Education?
The point is obvious that somebody has to begin. The translation department was particularly well fitted to deal with it. I do not think there is any body in the country, any group of people in the country, who have such a constant contact with the living language and given such attention to its structure and use as the translation staff. From the point of view of initiating it, I took the responsibility of suggesting the initiation of it to them. They had to consider the whole field. Then they came to the conclusion that certain things could be done and when they came to this conclusion they consulted the Department of Education.
Will the Taoiseach say what steps are being taken through the Department of Education to assemble in the most effective and competent way, judgment on the proposals that are now made?
The Department of Education is kept in touch. This manual was issued to be a standard for the translation staff concerned in the first instance. It was issued to get public criticism, and the Department of Education know all about it.