asked the Taoiseach whether, in view of the fact that the language revival policy has failed to make substantial progress in restoring Irish as the spoken language of the people, has created widespread hostility to the language, and has not taken into account the fact that the language is of no advantage to persons who are now emigrating in large numbers, he will arrange to ascertain the wishes of the people, by referendum or otherwise, on the following: (a) the desirability of teaching Irish in the schools as an alternative voluntary subject, and (b) the elimination of Irish as a desirable or essential prior condition for local government or Civil Service posts, or other posts in State-controlled employments (except for posts in the Gaeltacht).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Language Revival Policy.
I do not accept the assumptions on which the Deputy's question is based, and I do not propose to take the steps which he has suggested.
The Deputy may be aware, however, that it was announced in the Seanad on the 30th ultimo that an inquiry is to be instituted into the present position in regard to the teaching of the Irish language and as to the further steps that should be taken to ensure more rapid progress towards the effective restoration of the language.
Because of the fact that the Taoiseach has accepted the necessity for this inquiry, could he not also accept that the basis of my question is correct, and could he not further agree that the reason for the failure of the language revival movement has been the mixture of blackmail, coercion and bribery which has been the basis of policy of successive Governments over the years? Has this failure not resulted in widespread disrespect for the language throughout the country?
I said in my answer to the Deputy's question that I do not at all accept these statements or their implications.
Would the Taoiseach accept that if a person does not wish to speak the Irish language he should be permitted not to do so, or does he insist that all persons must speak the language?
The young people, at any rate, have a right to be given the opportunity of learning to speak the language so that when they come to the age of discretion they may be able to use it if they like.
Particularly when they must emigrate.
The reason why there is so much cynicism about the whole matter is that successive Legislatures have insisted that young people, children, and civil servants should speak it and that they do not impose the same duty on county councillors, Senators, Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries or even Taoiseachs——
The Deputy is making statements, not asking questions.
Statements such as the Deputy has just made have done far more harm than anything else.