asked the Minister for Education the dates and nature of decisions in relation to the official standard of Irish spelling since 1922; and whether any further changes are contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Spelling Standard.
37.
The major changes in relation to the official standard of Irish spelling were as follows:
1. The introduction in 1945 of a standard system of simplified spelling as outlined in the booklet "Litriú na Gaeilge: An Caighdeán Oifigiúil."
2. A revision in 1953 of the rules of grammar, as outlined in a booklet entitled "Gramadach na Gaeilge: Caighdeán Rannóg an Aistriúcháin."
3. The announcement in 1963 of the gradual introduction of Roman type in school texts and in examination papers.
Further major changes in this regard are not in contemplation.
I wonder if the Minister would circulate details of the minor changes. I understand from what he has said that these are the major ones. Would the Minister detail the minor ones?
I am not personally aware at the moment of any minor ones. I could surmise what they might be. Perhaps if the Deputy would put down another question, I might be able to give him more details.
As a result of the changes made, which have resulted in what the Minister now describes as "Standard Irish", is "Standard Irish" spoken by any native speaker here or anywhere else?
Sin ceist eile.
I think Deputy Dillon's question portrays a misconception about our language revival. It would be similar to asking whether there are any natives of Durham who speak standard English.
No; this is a simple question. I just want to ask if there is any living creature with Irish ón gcliabhán who speaks what the Minister describes as standard Irish. I submit that outside the bureaucracy of the country and those who have book Irish, no living creature speaks standard Irish. It is an etymological rule.
The question relates to standard Irish spelling.
I was about to point that out.
The grammar has changed, too.
This is common practice in every language. Why should Irish be treated differently from any other language in the world? That is a natural development in any language, especially when it is making progress and it is being used more widely.
Would the Minister give particulars of three major changes in the spelling and grammar of the English language since 1943?
The French language is an example. The Academie Francaise brings the French language up to date every year.
We are not all followers of de Gaulle. I am asking the Minister a simple question, to give particulars of three major changes in English since 1943.