Vol. 511 No. 2
7 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus Oileán cén plean atá aici lipéid Ghaeilge a chur taobh leis na lipéid Bhéarla i Músaem na Staire Nádúrtha agus i músaeim eile faoina cúram de bharr nach leor Béarla amháin do theaghlaigh agus do scoileanna a dhéanann gnó trí Ghaeilge. [23737/99]
In answering this question I should first clarify that the Natural History Museum in Merrion Street, Dublin, is a constituent part of the National Museum of Ireland. In the Natural History Museum labels are currently bilingual in relation to Irish birds, fish and crustaceans. Elsewhere in the natural history collection the many specimens on display which have no common names in either English or Irish are described using their appropriate scientific title, and the normal convention for this is the Latin name. I am glad to say that the museum is planning to label all specimen mammals in the Natural History Museum in Irish where such names are available. The National Museum of Ireland is committed to pursuing an active bilingual policy throughout its various education programmes.
Tá áthas orm go bhfuil obair á dhéanamh ag an músaem agus go mbeidh feabhas ar an scéal amach anseo. Maidir le cúrsaí aistriúcháin, an féidir leis an t-Aire a rá an féidir téarmaíocht nua chruthú muna bhfuil sé ann? Tá rannóg aistriúcháin san Oireachtas agus tá téarmaíocht nua á chruthú aici an t-am ar fad maidir le cúrsaí ríomhaireachta agus eile. An féidir leis an t-Aire a rá go mbeidh téarmaíocht Ghaeilge amach anseo? Beidh an Laidin go breá, ach tá téarmaíocht Ghaeilge ag teastáil ó theaghlaigh atá ag tógáil leanaí le Gaeilge.
I understand the Deputy's interest in this. We are talking not only about the museum in Kildare Street but also the one in Collins Barracks having bilingual internal signage and that is how everyone in the House would like to see things proceed. Where there may not be names in Irish, I will ask the people in the division if it is possible for it to be done. We will have to see what would be appropriate for the names and, if it can be done, there should be no problem with displaying the names in both languages.
(Dublin West): An nglacann an t-Aire gur mór an náire é nár ceapadh ainmneacha dhátheangacha tamall maith ó shin agus gur mar sin atá an scéal go dtí an pointe seo? An nglacann sí gur cheart, chomh maith leis na hainmneacha i Laidin, go mbéadh gnáthainmneacha ar gach ní atá ann ionas go meéadh sé níos fusa do scoileanna, daltaí agus daoine eile a thagann isteach tuiscint cad atá i gceist. An nglacann an t-Aire nach dtuigeann an-chuid daoine nuair atá an ainm i Laidin agus go mbeadh sé i bhfad níos fearr dá mbeadh gach ní i Músaem na Staire Nádúrtha i Laidin, i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge?
This must be seen from a number of angles. One would want to ensure that both Irish and English names are present, where possible. There is also use for the special scientific Latin titles for those who are specialists in this regard. Having all three is obviously the way forward. Most of us would use the ordinary names which can be seen.
Regarding the outreach programmes and the other educational facilities in our cultural institutions, I wish to recognise that the institutions are placing greater emphasis on the need for outreach and educational programmes so that, as well as bringing people in, the institutions can reach out to the younger members of our community especially. In that sense, I understand why the Deputy would be interested to have the ordinary as opposed to the scientific titles displayed. We should be able to have the scientific, Irish and English titles displayed where possible.
An bhfuil aon dáta ag an Aire maidir le cur i gcrích an phlean ionas go mbeadh na hainmneacha ar taispeáint sa mhusaem?
I do not have a date but I will get back to the Deputy on that.
