Language of answers to Gaeltacht questions

Summary

Keating questions why English-listed questions receive Irish answers and asks for replies in the language used to ask them. Gallagher notes the House has translators; the Ceann Comhairle says Irish replies are customary for Gaeltacht questions and cannot be compelled to be bilingual.

Michael Keating Mr. Keating Fine Gael

An bhfuil sé gnáthach freagraí Gaeilge a thabhairt ar cheisteanna atá ar an gClár i mBéarla? An bhfuil aon seans ann go dtiochfadh an tAire Oideachais isteach anseo agus freagra a thabhairt as Laidin?

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Denis Gallagher Mr. D. Gallagher Fianna Fáil

Tá foireann aistriúcháin sa Teach.

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Michael Keating Mr. Keating Fine Gael

As a matter of courtesy—everybody in the House is not as proficient in Irish as the Minister —would it not be possible when a question is asked in English to give the answer in that language? I should like to say it does not worry me, personally.

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Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

It seems to be the practice in relation to Gaeltacht questions to give the replies in Irish. The Chair has no function to compel a bilingual answer.

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