Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Nov 1961

Vol. 192 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gaeltacht Affairs: Administration by State Board.

1.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Taoiseach whether, further to a reply of 15th November, his attention has been drawn to the Annual Report of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, a body set up by the Government, in which the idea of setting up a State Board to look after the affairs of the Gaeltacht was again raised; and whether in view of this report and the remarks of Mr. Liam Ó Luanaigh, President of the Comhdháil, at the annual general meeting on 18th November on the subject of the necessity for better overall planning for the Gaeltacht, he will consider reexamining the question of setting up such a Board for the Gaeltacht.

2.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Taoiseach whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed at the recent annual conference of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge to the effect that the Gaeltacht should be administered by a State Board; and whether he is willing in any way to entertain the suggestion of the Comhdháil.

The Taoiseach

With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The Deputy's questions appear to be based on a number of misconceptions. I would point out that Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge were not set up by the Government, that their recent Annual Report does not raise the question of setting up a State Board to look after the affairs of the Gaeltacht, and I understand that, at their recent annual general meeting, they did not pass a resolution to the effect that the Gaeltacht should be administered by a State Board.

So far as the suggestion referred to in the Deputy's questions is concerned, I refer him to the reply which I gave to his question on the matter on the 15th instant.