Official Languages Bill timetable
Deputy Adams seeks a date for the Official Languages Bill, citing concern for Irish and the Gaeltacht; the Taoiseach says it will come before the session ends and also updates the House on gender-recognition legislation.
Tá daoine buartha faoi thodhchaí na Gaeilge.
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Iarraim ar an Taoiseach bheith ciúin agus éisteacht liom.
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Tá daoine buartha faoi thodhchaí na Gaeilge agus táim ag lorg dáta le haghaidh Bille na dteangacha oifigiúla. Cén uair a bheidh an Bille seo linn sa Dáil? The Taoiseach knows that Irish language enthusiasts and communities throughout the entire island are relying on the outcome of this review in order to plan for the future. As he also knows, the language does not belong to the Government or any political party or group; it belongs to all of the people. The Gaeltacht is in grave danger and people, including those in the North, are relying on the outcome of the review. When will Bille na dteangacha oifigiúla be brought before the Dáil?
With regard to a proposed Bill to give legal recognition to transgender people, the Taoiseach knows that in 2008 the High Court declared that the State was in breach of its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. There is no process to give legal protection to transgender people in their preferred gender. In May the Minister for Social Protection committed to bringing the recommendations of the joint committee on the general scheme of gender recognition before the Cabinet. Will the Taoiseach confirm if this has been done and when the legislation will be published?
Yesterday, the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform were both absent during the period in which Opposition spokespersons responded to the Budget Statements. Is there any protocol to compel Ministers to be present during these discussions and respond with respect?
Comment on this
Beidh Acht na dteangacha oifigiúla ag teacht isteach roimh deireadh an seisiúin seo. The gender recognition Bill has been through the pre-legislative stage and is progressing very well. I am informed that we expect it to be brought before the House before the end of this session. No compulsion can be imposed on Members to attend the Chamber. We cannot require the Deputy to be here, for example, and Members watch proceedings on monitors. They have other duties to attend to also.