asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the details of the recommendations made by him for the expansion of the use of Irish in the Defence Forces; and whether these recommendations have been put into effect by the military authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Irish in Defence Forces.
I have recommended that, consistent with military efficiency, the use of Irish should be expanded in the permanent Defence Forces by: (1) the greater use of oral and written Irish generally; (2) the extension of the use of Irish in instruction in the Military College, and (3) the introduction, in units, of short courses to teach Irish to all ranks.
The military authorities are putting my recommendations into effect.
May we take it that these recommendations will be put into effect in the F.C.A. when it is reorganised?
Everything that can be done to expand the use of Irish in the F.C.A. will be done.
Since the majority of the F.C.A., through no fault of their own, have only a very limited knowledge of Irish, and since the officers are now undergoing what are practically compulsory courses to improve their Irish, may we take it that there will be no danger that the military efficiency of the private soldiers or the F.C.A. members will be adversely affected through the officer personnel trying to carry out their instructions in Irish?
The Deputy's information is completely wrong.
The whole thing is a joke.