Vol. 848 No. 4
1. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an mbeidh sí ag lorg cothrom na Féinne don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht i gcáinaisnéis 2015, go háirithe buiséad d'Údarás na Gaeltachta agus buiséad d'Fhoras na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31283/14]
Ba maith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis an Aire agus leis an Aire Stáit. Baineann an cheist seo le cothrom na Féinne don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht. Ba mhaith liom go mbeadh an cothrom na Féinne sin le feiceáil i gcáinaisnéis 2015. De réir Conradh na Gaeilge, tá beagnach dhá mhilliún duine ar oileán na hÉireann a bhfuil cumas éigin sa Ghaeilge acu. Is dóigh gur féidir cleachtadh a dhéanamh chun feabhas a chur ar a gcuid Gaeilge agus táim ag súil leis an bhfeabhas sin a fheiceáil ón Aire Stáit.
Mar is eol don Teachta, is tríd an phróiseas Meastacháin agus cáinaisnéise a dhéantar leithdháileadh ar an soláthar airgid a chuirtear ar fáil ar bhonn bliantúil don Roinn agus, go deimhin, do na Ranna go léir.
Maidir le buiséad Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain 2015, tuigim go bhfuil togra straitéiseach aige lena bhuiséad caipitil a mhéadú thar thréimhse ama ón leibhéal reatha in aghaidh na bliana. Tuigim go gcuirfeadh a leithéid de mhéadú ar an soláthar caipitil ar chumas an údaráis 300 post breise a chruthú in aghaidh na bliana.
É sin ráite, ba mhaith liom a mheabhrú don Teachta gur fógraíodh, mar chuid de bhuiséad 2014, go mbeadh athbhreithnithe cuimsitheacha ar chaiteachas caipitil agus reatha le cur i gcrích ag na Ranna go léir le linn 2014. Tá na hathbhreithnithe mar bhunús do chreat buiséid ilbhliantúil an Rialtais agus déantar iad ar bhonn tréimhsiúil le cinntiú go bhfuil caiteachas na Ranna i gcomhréir leis na tosaíochtaí Rialtais. Tá na hathbhreithnithe ar bun faoi láthair agus déanfaidh an Rialtas iad a mheas níos deireanaí i mbliana i gcomhthéacs a chuid pleananna caiteachais do 2015 agus do na blianta ina dhiaidh sin. Tuigfidh an Teachta go ndéanfar soláthar airgid an údaráis ón Státchiste don bhliain 2015 a mheas i gcomhthéacs na n-athbhreithnithe sin agus i gcomhthéacs an phróisis Mheastacháin agus cháinaisnéise níos déanaí i mbliana.
Mar is eol don Teachta, is áisíneacht den Fhoras Teanga é Foras na Gaeilge agus, dá réir sin, is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas a cheadaíonn a bhuiséad. Déantar Foras na Gaeilge a chómhaoiniú ar bhonn 75% ón Roinn agus ar bhonn 25% ón Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta i dTuaisceart Éireann. Anuas air seo, cuireann an Roinn maoiniú breise ar leith ar fáil d'Fhoras na Gaeilge i ndáil le nithe imfhálaithe mar a bhaineann le Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge agus Colmcille. Ina theannta sin, faigheann Foras na Gaeilge ioncam ó fhoinsí eile, lena n-áirítear ioncam ó dhíol leabhar.
Cé go leanfaidh an Roinn ag cur maoiniú ar fáil don Fhoras Teanga i gcomhréir leis an ghnáthphróiseas buiséid, ní miste a shoiléiriú go bhfuil sé aontaithe ag na Ranna Airgeadais sa dá dhlínse go gcaithfidh na forais trasteorann go léir sábháil éifeachtúlachta de 4% ar a laghad a chur i bhfeidhm in 2015.
Deireann Conradh na Gaeilge go bhfuil gá le níos mó airgid a bheith ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta. Táthar ag caint mar gheall ar bhuiséad caipitil de €12 milliún don údarás mar go bhfuil siad ag iarraidh níos mó post a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht. Leag mé béim i mo cheist ar an mbuiséad d'Fhoras na Gaeilge chomh maith. Tháinig deireadh le maoiniú Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge i mí Meitheamh agus le fostaíocht de seisear den fhoireann a bhí ag obair ann. Beidh suas le 18 duine ag cailliúint a bpoist ansin. Iarraim ar an Aire Stáit a chinntiú de nach mbeidh aon ghearradh siar ar bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge i gcáinaisnéis 2015. Bunaíodh Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge i 1943, ach rinneadh gearradh siar ar an mbuiséad do chúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta gan aon chainteanna leis an bhforas.
Mar Aire Stáit nua, tá sé i gceist agam gach iarracht a dhéanamh chun buiséad Údaráis na Gaeltachta agus buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge a chosaint i gcáinaisnéis 2015.
Níl a fhios agam ón bhfreagra sin cén polasaí atá ag an Aire Stáit maidir leis an mbuiséad caipitil don údarás nó d'Fhoras na Gaeilge. Tá súil agam go mbeidh sé ag iarraidh níos mó airgid a fháil. Mar atá a fhios ag an Aire Stáit, tá luach eacnamaíoch ag an Ghaeilge don tír seo - is fiú os cionn €20 milliún na coláistí samhraidh Gaeilge don tír - agus tá súil agam go dtabharfaidh an tAire Stáit tacaíocht do na coláistí samhraidh agus go mbeidh sé ag iarraidh níos mó airgid a chur ar fáil dóibh. Tá súil agam freisin go mbeidh sé ag lorg airgid leanúnach, mar a fhaigheann RTÉ, do TG4.
Is é an soláthar iomlán a cuireadh ar fáil don údarás i 2014 ná €17.485 milliún, briste síos mar seo a leanas: €5.687 milliún do chaiteachas chaipitil; €3 milliún do chaiteachas reatha; agus €8.798 milliún do chaiteachas riaracháin. B'fhéidir go gcuirfidh an t-údarás leis an roinnt seo dá ioncam óna chuid acmhainní féin. Maidir le TG4, baineann sé sin le Roinn eile.
Baineann sé le Roinn an Aire Stáit.
2. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is confident that the development of a museum in Moore Street, Dublin 1, will be complete for the 1916 centenary celebrations. [31285/14]
On behalf of myself and the Sinn Féin party, I wish the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht well in her new role. I congratulate her on her promotion and I look forward to working with her in the future.
I thank the Deputy for her good wishes and look forward to working with her.
As the Deputy is aware, revised designs submitted by the owners of the national monument at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street for the restoration of the monument buildings and the creation of a commemorative centre to the leaders of the 1916 Rising on the site were approved by my Department on 30 April 2014. Previously, in July 2013, an order of consent was signed that approved the commemorative centre proposal and the full repair and conservation of the monument buildings. However, consent was refused for the demolition of any structures or the removal of material from the site that dated from or before 1916. Any plans for an underground car park within the boundary of the national monument and for the demolition of the Moore Lane facades of Nos. 15 and 16 were also ruled out. The July 2013 consent was conditional on revised project designs being submitted to my Department that took full account of the elements of the proposal for which consent had been refused and the conditions attached to the approved works. The revised designs were received in March of this year and, following consultation with interested parties and a full assessment, were approved on 30 April 2014, subject to a number of new conditions.
The decision made on the revised designs will, I believe, secure the future of one of the most important sites in modern Irish history. The accompanying conditions will also ensure that the restored buildings will, from day one, have a standard of finish and appearance that befits their historical importance.
I understand that NAMA has approved funding for the proposed works to the national monument and it is now a matter for the monument owners to progress the project.
The forthcoming centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising are particularly important and the preservation of Moore Street is, of course, a priority. The decision by the Government to grant permission for the development of Moore Street to go ahead is tantamount to the obliteration of what the National Museum has called the most important site in modern Irish history. The Government proposals to turn Nos. 14-17 Moore Street into an interpretive centre, while welcome, are inadequate and fail to match the reality that this is the most important historic site in modern Irish history.
Sinn Féin fundamentally disagrees with the decision to grant a licence to Chartered Land to demolish Moore Street and turn it into a shopping centre. As a new Minister to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will the Minister revisit this decision and will she review the evidence presented to her Department? The Taoiseach is meeting the relatives as we speak and I hope that meeting will be a fruitful one. Has the Minister met with the Taoiseach yet to discuss Moore Street?
To answer the last question, I have not had an opportunity to meet with the Taoiseach yet but I am aware the relatives are meeting him as we speak.
The national monument is being protected by the State, as I said earlier, but anything outside Nos. 14-17 Moore Street is a matter for the planning authorities and the owner of the site. I have no function in regard to the regulation of the development outside the bounds of the preservation order.
As required under the National Monuments Act, an application for consent in respect of proposed works to Nos. 14-17 Moore Street was submitted to my Department on behalf of the owners in June 2013. The application sought consent for a range of works at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, including the provision of a commemorative centre and facilities for visitors, an underground car park to the rear of the monument and also the demolition of the Moore Lane facades at Nos. 15 and 16.
On 16 July 2013, the Minister granted consent under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930. The consent provided for the creation of a commemorative centre at the national monument at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, the full repair and conservation of the buildings at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street and the demolition of non-original, post-1916 additions and partitions in Nos. 14-17 Moore Street.
As guardian of the monument, I believe the Minister shares responsibility for the surrounding area of Nos. 14-17 Moore Street. The entire Moore Street battlefield site should be developed and protected as a national monument. In any other state, these laneways of history would be preserved and would be a vital place of remembrance. This would be a fitting centrepiece for the centenary and an economic boost to the north inner city, as well as a prestigious international educational and tourist facility.
The Minister is in a new job. She can bring fresh thinking to the role of Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Will she go back to the drawing board and review her Department's decision? Will she consider developing Moore Street and surrounding streets and lanes, encompassing the GPO, as an historic quarter?
As I said, I have no function in regard to the regulation of development outside the bounds of the preservation order. I mentioned that the Minister granted consent on 16 July 2013 but he also refused consent for the demolition of any structures or removal of material which date from or before 1916. Works for the provision of an underground car park within the boundary of the national monument were also refused and the demolition of the Moore Lane facades of Nos. 15 and 16 was refused, so they are being protected. It is also important that NAMA has approved funding for the proposed works to the national monument and it is now a matter for the monument owners to progress the project.
I accept the Deputy's point that it is a very important site. A lot of work has been done on this to date. I will certainly be protecting the particular area that has been designated as a national monument, as it is my duty to do so.
3. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will make public the terms under which the State seaweed company Arramara Teo was sold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31286/14]
I wish the Minister and Minister of State all the best in their new jobs and I hope they enjoy them.
Seaweed is a valuable resource and is now used in a wide range of areas. It has been harvested by local people on the west coast for generations. These traditional harvesters are afraid that Údarás na Gaeltachta has done a deal with Arcadian Seaplants that will prevent them from cutting seaweed. They have described the lack of transparency in the deal as a bit frightening. Will the Minister publish the terms of the sale of Arramara Teo?
I call the Minister of State to respond.
As Béarla?
As Béarla.
Yes. He will enjoy this more.
The sale of Údarás na Gaeltachta's shares in Arramara Teo to Acadian Seaplants Limited was approved by the board of Údarás on 1 March 2013, subject to ministerial approval being obtained and legal details being agreed. Following an assessment of the proposal, approval was granted for the sale on 29 July 2013, subject to a number of specific conditions being fulfilled. I am advised that the sale of Arramara Teo was concluded on 7 May 2014 and that Údarás na Gaeltachta is satisfied that the conditions laid down have been fully complied with. I am satisfied that the best value that could be obtained for Arramara Teo was achieved through this course of action.
As a multinational company based in Nova Scotia, Canada, with significant experience in the seaweed processing sector, I am satisfied that Acadian Seaplants Limited has the expertise to develop Arramara Teo and secure its long-term future for the benefit of its stakeholders. I believe this strategic partnership will secure Arramara's future in Connemara and will result in the development of the seaweed processing sector here.
While I am unable to give further details with regard to the terms of the sale of Arramara Teo because of the confidentiality provisions of the contract, I am advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that continuity of supply to Arramara's existing Irish customers is assured. One of the conditions of the sale agreement between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Acadian Seaplants Limited related to existing Irish customers of Arramara Teo being guaranteed supply of product on reasonable terms and conditions into the future. In that regard, Údarás na Gaeltachta has confirmed that the sale agreement provides for the protection of future supply to existing Irish customers of Arramara Teo, with no increase in price for year one and with prices advantageous to Irish customers as against international customers being secured. It is also understood that Acadian Seaplants Limited has covenanted to continue supplying the Irish customers. In the event of a breach of covenant, Údarás na Gaeltachta has advised that penalties would apply.
In overall terms, it is envisaged that the sale of Údarás na Gaeltachta's shares in Arramara Teo will benefit the State through a cash consideration to Údarás na Gaeltachta, a significant investment in Arramara Teo and the development of the seaweed sector, with benefit accruing to the State as a result of increased economic activity.
If I might say-----
I am sorry, but we are over time. I will revert to the Minister of State.
Questions have been raised about the manner in which the sale took place. It is not good enough for a State body to claim that it cannot tell us exactly how something was done because of commercial sensitivity. Everything could have been done perfectly and completely in order - I am not saying for a second that it was not - but some of the smaller seaweed companies are dubious about how the process was handled. It would be a good idea for the Government to release the details and open the books. If everything is fine, there should be nothing to hide. Alternatively, the Minister of State might consider using an independent investigator to do away with doubts, reservations and suspicions and to clear the air.
This matter came to my attention a number of weeks ago. In my role as Minister for State, I held a meeting in the Department yesterday because I was anxious to have as much detail on all of today's questions as I could. Seaweed processing is an issue that affects my county as well as a number of others. This contract primarily affects counties on the west coast.
When I asked the Deputy's question about disclosure yesterday, it was categorically stated that there was a confidentiality clause. I can raise the Deputy's question about public disclosure again but, according to the information I was given yesterday, the contract was confidential.
As to the public advertisement and transparency of the process, I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta considered that the most appropriate mechanism was to engage consultants to identify potential strategic partners in the seaweed industry for the future development of Arramara Teo. I am advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the process was carried out in accordance with the 2009 code of practice for the governance of State bodies.
Thank you.
As a result, Údarás na Gaeltachta engaged consultants RSM FGS in July 2010 to assist in identifying a potential strategic partner for Arramara Teo.
I am sorry for interrupting, but there is a limit of a minute on the Minister of State's speaking time.
I realise that Údarás na Gaeltachta contacted likely bidders, but it is disappointing that there was no public tender. It is difficult to have transparency without one.
Údarás na Gaeltachta did not apply for a licence. Rather, Arramara Teo did. The licence application was included in the sale. Traditional harvesters could be pushed off the pitch. They are uneasy. Arramara Teo is seeking a three-year licence. Will the Minister of State consider ensuring the licence will not be issued to the new company until three-year deals have been agreed with indigenous harvesters? They will be under pressure standing up against a powerful foreign operation like the Canadian company and could do with State protection. It would be good if the State held off on awarding the licence until contracts were in place with the indigenous harvesters.
As the Deputy knows, the sale of Údarás na Gaeltachta's shares in Arramara Teo to Acadian Seaplants Limited was approved by the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta on 1 March 2013, subject to ministerial approval. On 7 May 2014, Údarás na Gaeltachta was satisfied that the conditions laid down had been complied with fully. The point on penalties is important, however. In the event of a breach of covenant, Údarás na Gaeltachta has advised that penalties will apply. This also relates to the protection of processors. I will remain vigilant in ensuring the harvesters are protected.
4. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will support the locating of an Irish UN veterans monument in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31284/14]
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing this question and congratulate the Minister on her appointment. She comes with a reputation for ability, sincerity and hard work and I look forward to working with her. We should remember the previous Minister, Deputy Deenihan, whose commitment and hard work made him a pleasure to work with. Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh chomh maith leis an Aire Stáit. Tá sé ag gníomhú timpeall na háite seo le fada an lá agus tá an t-ardú céime tuillte aige.
In the context of the decade of commemorations, this question relates to the 61,000 tours of duty undertaken by Irish people on peacekeeping missions and asks whether the Minister is prepared to see them commemorated.
I thank the Deputy for his good wishes and kind words. I also am looking forward to working with him.
The National Museum of Ireland is an autonomous body with its own board and, as such, is responsible for all day-to-day operational matters. I, as Minister, have no statutory responsibility in respect of such operational matters, which include the location of monuments on museum sites. However, I have had inquiries made into this matter and understand that the National Museum was not party to any consultation to erect an Irish UN veterans monument on the Collins Barracks site. The museum has advised that Collins Barracks is one of the constituent parts of the museum and functions solely in that capacity to house and display the national collections in its care. The museum has further indicated its view that any interpretation of the previous history of Collins Barracks as a barracks is done in that context only and, accordingly, it would not consider it appropriate to place a monument on the site as proposed.
As the Deputy is aware, military personnel who died on UN service are commemorated by a monument in Merrion Square, on the annual national day of commemoration and by their own respective military barracks. All of those who died, both on military and non-military service with the UN, are commemorated on the annual national day of commemoration. I am advised that consideration of any further such memorial would fall under the purview of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality and Defence.
I thank the Minister for her response, although it was a little disappointing. The Irish international contribution to peacekeeping has extraordinarily involved approximately 7 million person days and 61,000 tours of duty in 72 UN-mandated missions. It is a major aspect of our foreign policy. Given the decade of commemorations, this is something that needs to be commemorated.
It is not just about those who lost their lives, but the wonderful contributions of so many others to international peacekeeping and conflict resolution which have distinguished them and the country. The Minister says other Departments have a role in this. They may, but in the decade of commemorations, the Minister has a leading role.
I acknowledge what the Deputy says and that 61,000 is a great number of veterans. They have made a wonderful contribution. I support the commemoration of all persons who have served their country at home and abroad, especially those who have given their lives. It is important we recognise them. There are already a number of monuments and memorial gardens throughout the country that pay tribute to such men and women. The selection of a site for another monument dedicated solely to UN veterans would require careful consideration. I take on board what the Deputy says. Consideration would fall to include the design, size and scale of the proposed monument, its historical connection with the proposed site and the approval of the relevant planning authorities. I am happy to discuss the matter with the Deputy further. It is important to consider it carefully.
I take the Minister's reply as positive. Those involved in the campaign include the retired Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Savino, Malachi O'Gallagher and others who have contributed enormously to the development of the concept. Is the Minister prepared to meet the people behind the initiative? Their enthusiasm for the project, the value of which is beyond question, is infectious. A monument would demonstrate to the people the extent of the contribution we have made to international peacekeeping. If located at a suitably prominent location, there is an opportunity to let the millions of international visitors to Ireland to see at first hand the contribution Ireland has made internationally. Collins Barracks is suggested and seems highly appropriate, but if there is a better location, let it be identified.
I accept what the Deputy says. I would be happy to meet the people involved. I attended the commemoration events on Saturday and the national day of commemoration on Sunday and realise how important it is to these people that the sacrifices they have made are recognised. I am happy to meet the people concerned.
5. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad atá á dhéanamh ag an Rialtas chun cabhrú le tuismitheoirí a bhfuil Gaeilge acu a dteanga a sheachadadh go dtí an chéad ghlúin eile. [31640/14]
Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis an Aire agus leis an Aire Stáit, ach, faraor, caithfidh mé a rá nach féidir liom sin a dhéanamh mar go bhfuil sé dochreidte nach bhfuil Gaeilge fheidhmeach acu, cé go bhfuil dualgas i leith na Gaeilge ar an Roinn.
Mar is eol don Aire Stáit, tá na saineolaithe tar éis a rá nach bhfuil ach 800 páistí sa Ghaeltacht anois le Gaeilge ó dhúchas. Tá práinn uafásach maidir leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht faoi láthair. Tá an tír ar fad ag iarraidh a fháil amach cad atá á chéanamh ag an Rialtas faoi seo.
Cinnte, tá cleachtadh de dhíth orm. I am prepared to put in the work in this job as in any job. I have already stated that I must do a refresher course and am prepared to do it. This is about ensuring the job is done correctly. I will do it to be best of my ability.
Tá sé ráite sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 go bhfuil an-tábhacht leis an Ghaeilge a chur ar aghaidh mar theanga bheo laistigh den teaghlach agus idir na glúine. Is é an cur chuige atá ag mo Roinn ná creatlach thacaíochta a chruthú trína bhféadfar an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ar bhealach nádúrtha laistigh de líonta tí agus de phobail.
Is é aidhm an chláir tacaíochta teaghlaigh an Ghaeilge a threisiú mar theanga teaghlaigh agus pobail sa Ghaeltacht i gcomhréir leis an straitéis. Mar chuid den chlár, tá pacáiste tacaíochta ar fáil ar iarratas ó mo Roinn do thuismitheoirí ina bhfuil físeáin, leabhair agus dlúthdhioscaí atá oiriúnach do pháistí. Go nuige seo, tá 2,340 pacáiste dáilte ar theaghlaigh éagsúla.
Os rud é gurb iad na blianta tosaigh i saol an pháiste na blianta is tábhachtaí maidir le sealbhú agus saibhriú teanga, fógraíodh scéim úr i mí an Mhárta 2014 chun tacú le naíolanna agus naíonraí atá ag feidhmiú trí Ghaeilge sa Ghaeltacht. Faoin scéim seirbhísí réamhscoile agus iarscoile, tá deontais faoi leith ar fiú €335,700 in iomlán iad thar thréimhse trí bliana ceadaithe do ocht gcinn de sheirbhísí réamhscoile sa Ghaeltacht. Ina theannta sin, tá deontas suas le €120,000 in iomlán thar thréimhse trí bliana ceadaithe don eagraíocht Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta le cumasú dóibh forbairt a dhéanamh ar na seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil do theaghlaigh atá ag tógáil a bpáistí le Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
Ní miste a rá go bhfuil mo Roinn ag cur tacaíochta leanúnach ar fáil do bhearta éagsúla a bhfuil tábhacht ar leith ag baint leo do theaghlaigh, ina measc scéim na gcúntóirí teanga, faoina bhfuil cúntóirí teanga fostaithe i mbunscoileanna Gaeltachta chun cabhrú le páistí an Ghaeilge a shealbhú agus a shaibhriú; scéim na gcampaí samhraidh, a chuireann deiseanna foghlama agus spraoi trí mheán na Gaeilge ar fáil d'aos óg na Gaeltachta le linn an tsamhraidh; agus scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, a thacaíonn le córas na gcoláistí Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
Ar ndóigh, cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú suntasach ar fáil fosta d'Údarás na Gaeltachta agus d'Fhoras na Gaeilge, a thacaíonn leis an Ghaeilge a sheachadadh ar aghaidh go dtí an chéad ghlúin eile, taobh istigh agus taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht.
I have no doubt about the Minister of State's commitment to learning the language at this stage. However, the ministerial responsibility for the Gaeltacht-----
Will the Deputy put a supplementary question relating to the reply? This is not about the Minister of State's Irish.
I am and I have a minute. The ministerial responsibility for the Gaeltacht is not an Irish language course in itself.
Put the supplementary question.
There are 800 children with native Irish in schools in the Gaeltacht. The Irish language study carried out seven years ago reported that Irish as a community language in the State had 20 years left. There are now 13 years left. Whereas people currently give out about English language documents having to be translated into Irish, we will now have to have Irish language documents translated into English so that the Ministers can understand them. The working language of the Department now becomes English because at its top the Ministers themselves cannot understand Irish. The Ministers are saying to these children to learn Irish and speak Irish among themselves and their families, but not to speak it to the Ministers as they do not have it.
In focusing on the Deputy's question, which is a good one, I note that this is about bringing the Irish language into people's homes and getting parents to speak it. Nuair a bhí mé i mo chodladh aréir, bhí mé ag smaoineamh i nGaeilge. I was thinking in the language for the first time in a long time. We must get people thinking in the language - ag smaoineamh sa teanga. There is a challenge with the Irish language and I am asking people to follow me on my journey whereby we can reach out to people who got Cs, Bs, and As in the leaving certificate examinations but do not speak it. They have a grá for the language. I ask people to look at that. There is a barrier to getting people involved in the language.
I am conscious of my role as Aire Stáit for the Gaeltacht. That includes the Irish language and the massive challenges around unemployment - dífhostaíocht - and emigration. I will work on those issues. Rugadh mé lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht agus tá mé i mo chonaí lasmuigh di, but I live close to it and I know the needs.
I share the Deputy's concerns. I am not being dismissive of the point made. I share the Deputy's concerns and I am willing to work with him and other spokespersons on arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht.
At the start of the year we had the unprecidented event of An Coimisinéir Teanga, the Ombudsman for the Irish language, resigning such was the disaster of Government policy and commitment to the Irish language. This has never before happened in this State or in any other country. The coimisinéir did not take that decision lightly. He did so because at every step this Government has reduced the level of investment in and emphasis on the Irish language, so much so that people from the Gaeltacht - taxpayers - who want to do their business in the first language of this State can no longer do so because such services are not available to them.
This Government is sending out a horrendous message in regard to the Irish language in this country. It is literally saying that people should speak it themselves, but should not speak it to the State services, including the health services or to us.
The Deputy must conclude. We are over time.
This Government is not motivated to provide services through Irish to people in the Gaeltacht and members of the Government are clearly not motivated to learn it so that they can do the job asked of them.
No question arises in terms of my motivation rather it is a question of confidence - muinín. I am one of a large category of individuals who understands what people are saying when speaking Irish, including the Deputy in terms of the questions he has asked, but I do not have the confidence to converse in Irish. There are four processes to learning any language, the first of which is éist - listen - which is an issue raised in the Deputy's question. We should, perhaps, work on this by way of broadcasting and bringing Irish into people's homes in the morning. The other three processes are labhairt, léamh agus scríobh. When we all went to school we started with the fourth process, which is scríobh. We started writing the language before we understood it. We did not converse in Irish. I did not speak Irish to my tuismitheoirí when I went home in the evening. We started at the end of the process when we should have started with listening to the spoken word. We should be encouraging all of the great advocates of the Irish language, people who understand and speak it, to come to the fore. That is our job. As an individual, I am not going to change the challenges facing us in terms of the Irish language but I want to be a catalyst for it. I want to be the medium through which the many great groups representing the Irish language come to the fore. A consultative group has been already set up by the Government. I propose to work with that group.
Those involved will have to speak in English to the Minister of State.
One individual will not save this language.
The Government is forcing organisations to engage through English.
This will be done by the people who have a love for the Irish language.
