asked the Taoiseach if he has received representations regarding the inadequacy of existing legislation concerning public appointments in the Fíor-Gaeltacht and if it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation to make it obligatory on persons seeking public appointments in the Fíor-Gaeltacht to have a Department of Education certificate of proficiency in oral Irish before appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fíor-Gaeltacht Appointments.
I have received a copy of a circular letter, which appears to have been sent to Deputies generally, containing representations in the sense indicated in the Deputy's question.
I assume that the representations relate to the conditions as to knowledge of Irish that apply to appointments made, on the recommendation of the Local Appointments Commissioners, to local offices in the Gaeltacht. These conditions are not governed directly by legislation but are prescribed either in the qualifications determined, under statute, by the appropriate Minister for a particular appointment or in the statutory regulations made by the commissioners for particular competitions.
Where the appropriate Minister considers that a competent knowledge of Irish is an essential qualification for an appointment, a provision to this effect is included in the statement of the qualifications required and, in any such case, a candidate who has not such a knowledge is not eligible to be recommended for appointment. In the case of all other appointments to local offices whose duties are in or in relation to the Gaeltacht, an over-riding preference is given for a competent knowledge of Irish and, in the absence of a qualified and suitable candidate having such knowledge, an over-riding preference is given for a good knowledge of the language.
I consider that these existing arrangements provide suitable and adequate recognition of the importance of a knowledge of Irish in connection with the appointments to which I have referred.
Is the Taoiseach not aware that the preservation of the language in the Gaeltacht depends on the revival of Irish outside the Gaeltacht and does he not recognise that it will be as necessary to apply these regulations in future outside the Gaeltacht as inside it?
That is a separate question.