asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state (1) the number of county managers who have a first-class knowledge of the Irish language; (2) the number who have a fair working knowledge of Irish, and (3) the number who either have very little Irish or none at all; and whether it is regarded as desirable for appointments to this position that candidates should have a good knowledge of the language and if this condition will be obligatory in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Managers and Irish.
Six county managers possess a competent knowledge of the Irish language to enable them to discharge the duties of their office efficiently through the medium of Irish. Three managers have a good knowledge of Irish and 11 have a knowledge of Irish which is less than good.
In all appointments made in pursuance of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, preference is given to candidates with a good knowledge of Irish. In the County Management Act, 1940, however, it was specially provided that a statutory preference for the post of first county manager be given to certain officers of local authorities, if they were in all other respects suitable.
The Minister referred to a knowledge of Irish which is "less than good." What does the definition mean?
Will the Minister say whether provisions which apply to Local Government officials will apply to county managers, that is, that after the end of three years, if they fail to acquire sufficient knowledge of Irish, they will be dismissed?
No; the county managers who have already been appointed have a statutory right to hold their appointment so long as they are capable of carrying out their duties as county managers.
Will the Minister state the number of county councillors who possess qualifications in Irish?
The Deputy can conduct that examination for himself.
That is a separate question.