asked the Taoiseach whether it has been yet decided to seek to find out the number of Irish speakers remaining in the State at the next census.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Census of Irish Speakers.
8.
The questions which may be asked at the next Census of Population, including one on ability to speak Irish, are at present under consideration but no decision has yet been reached as to the topics to be included in the inquiry.
Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary when is the latest date for making a decision in regard to the questions which will be asked in the Census? I want to find out the answer to that question before it is too late. Could I have a final date?
Not at this stage.
Could I ask the Taoiseach will the questions be finally decided upon before the end of this session, for instance?
I am not prepared to answer that question. They will be decided in good time.
Then I shall ask this question every week.
Could we not have other evidence, apart from mere question and answer, as to whether a person knows the language? What is to stop the Taoiseach's whole Party saying they know the language?
That is an entirely separate matter.
That is precisely one of the problems.
Mere question and answer is not a test.