asked the Minister for Finance if he will state with respect to any State or semi-State body under the aegis of his Department, whether employment therein is dependent on a working knowledge of the Irish language; if so, the reason for such requirement; and in the interests of detente with that part of the Irish community which does not have an affection for the Irish language or may not have had an opportunity of acquiring an adequate knowledge of it, if he will take steps to remove the requirement particularly in respect of persons from Northern Ireland; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Language Requirement.
28.
Persons appointed to certain positions in the Agricultural Credit Corporation and the Central Bank of Ireland are required under statute to possess a knowledge of the Irish language. As I stated in a reply on 16th February last, the position in relation to Irish requirements of North of Ireland candidates for civil service posts is under review. The situation in State-sponsored bodies will be considered in the light of the decision taken following that review. As regards the other State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department there is no requirement relating to a knowledge of Irish.
Would the Minister indicate when he expects this review to be completed and what causes, if any, there are for not having this review completed instantly?
I am not in a position to say at the moment when this review will be completed, certainly not with any degree of accuracy. I do not anticipate it will take too long.
I submit to the Minister that the reasons given are not factual, but purely matters of policy.
Both aspects enter into it.
That will not be accepted by public opinion.
Let us debate this when the decision is made. There are aspects to this on which I suspect the Deputy has not been thinking.
All along the Deputy has been thinking of the needs——
Order. I am calling Question No. 29.