asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what steps are being taken to provide Gaeltacht radio services in the Gaeltacht areas in County Meath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gaeltacht Radio Service.
117.
I understand that arrangements for the provision of studios and transmitters to serve the Gaeltacht areas of Connemara, Donegal and West Kerry have been put in train by Radio Telefís Éireann and that when these reach a more advanced stage, attention will be given to the smaller Gaeltacht areas, including those in Meath, which are covered by the approved scheme.
Would the Minister have any estimate as to the number of Irish speakers in the two Gaeltacht areas of Meath?
I have not got that information. I do know it was given in the House yesterday by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Gaeltacht.
The Minister does not know the numbers?
The numbers were given; I think it was 680 or 800.
That is all screwy. There is practically nobody at all in Gibbstown.
Deputy Tully realises that if I were a TD for the Meath constituency I would be fully aware of the number.
I am quite sure the Minister would. In Rathcarn they do speak a certain amount of Irish.