Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
122 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when Irish speakers here can expect to have an Irish language newspaper available to them again; and if, in view of the fact that the closing date for applications to Foras na Gaeilge has passed he will ensure that Foras na Gaeilge will deliver a speedy decision. [34148/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, funding for the publication of a weekly Irish language newspaper is provided by Foras na Gaeilge. I understand from Foras na Gaeilge that a new competition was advertised lately and that several applications were received by the deadline of 4 September 2009. Those applications are being assessed and I am advised that it is proposed to interview applicants on the basis of their written applications. I understand that it should be possible for Foras na Gaeilge to present a recommendation for consideration by its board in November.
Foras na Gaeilge is committed to the provision of a weekly Irish language newspaper and, accordingly, I understand that a decision will be made in the matter as soon as possible.
My colleague, Deputy McGinley, has said it often here that the loss of Foinse is a big loss to the Irish language and, particularly, to teachers and students doing the leaving certificate. They looked to Foinse for assistance. It is appalling that we cannot have even one Irish language paper. Will the Minister put pressure on Foras na Gaeilge to ensure that whatever grant aid is required by the group seeking to reproduce this Irish language newspaper is available and that Foras na Gaeilge announces quickly who has won the contract so that the paper can be up and running again before Christmas. The paper is a big loss to Irish language speakers, to the Gaeltacht and to the people who lost their jobs. I hope some of these people will be re-employed. Some of the people involved used to cover the Irish language issues in the Dáil. I hope the Minister will arrange everything behind the scenes to ensure the paper is up and running soon.
As the Deputy knows, I believe we should have an Irish language newspaper. I regret the events that led to the closure of Foinse, but the person offered the contract decided not to continue with it. In such a situation, there is no choice but to tender again. However, I have no intention of involving myself in an independent procurement process. The Deputy would be the first to complain if I did.
I would not, not in this case. Make sure the deadline they have given will be honoured.
Did the Minister ever hear the Deputy complain?
Never.
I have no doubt that Foras na Gaeilge will carry out this procurement process efficiently and effectively. However, it must follow the correct process. I would hope it will reach its deadline of bringing this before its board meeting in November, and that we will get notification afterwards. For very good reasons relating to tender processes, I always take the clear and unequivocal stand to the effect that I do not, in any way, become involved once they are advertised. It is in the interests of everybody in the House that I maintain that particular stance.
Nach n-aontaíonn an tAire liom — agus tacaim leis an méid a bhí á rá aige le Teachta Ring — nach bhfuil sé inghlactha? Tá an Ghaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil san Eoraip. Tá Bille teanga sa tír seo. Nach n-aontaíonn an tAire liom nach bhfuil sé inghlactha ar chor ar bith nach bhfuil páipéar nó foilsiú an Ghaeilge seachtainiúil nó laethiúil sa tír i láthair na huaire?
Anuraidh, bhí Foinse againn, bhí Lá againn, bhí Lá nua againn, agus anois níl aon rud againn agus tá géarghá go ndéanfaí cinneadh gan mhoill agus go gcuirfí liteartha ar fáil do phobal na Gaeilge, ní hamháin sa Ghaeltacht ach ar fud na tíre.
Mar is eol don Teachta do bhí páipear seachtaine Gaeilge, Foinse, ag fáil deontas, agus bhuaigh an chomhlacht chéanna, Móinéar Teoranta an chomórtas le páipéar a chur ar fáil do na blianta seo. Ansin, le cúiseanna ar bith go maith dó féin, tharraing siad siar as agus ní raibh éinne eile fágtha ar pháirc na himeartha. Ní raibh aon rogha ag an bhForas ach dul amach agus tairiscintí nua a lorg. De bharr an chóras tairiscintí poiblí tógann se sin am, ach táimid dóchasach go n-éireodh leis an bhFhoras seasamh leis an rud atá ráite aige agus go mbeadh sé in ann fógairt a chur amach tar éis an chruinnithe i mí na Samhna, go mbeidh páipéar seachtanúil ann i nGaeilge.
I take it from what the Minister says that he expects a positive outcome this side of Christmas. Do I hear him correctly in that regard?
Tá an cheart ag an Teachta O'Shea. I understand that several applications were received. Obviously I do not know their identity. I know nothing about them and neither am I aware of their quality. However, I understand there are several applications and that they should be able to come to a decision in November. That is the intention at the moment and they are reasonably confident they can achieve their target in that regard.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
