RTÉ Irish-language compliance
Deputy Ó Cuív asked what the Government would do about the Irish Language Commissioner’s finding that RTÉ was breaching its legal obligations in Irish-language broadcasting. The Minister said the board and RTÉ must respond, that the Commissioner could use legal powers and report to the Oireachtas, and that he would follow the matter closely.
Bunaíodh Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003. Ina thuarascáil bhliantúil inné, dúirt an Coimisinéir go bhfuil an dlí á shárú ag RTÉ maidir le craoladh trí Ghaeilge. Dúirt sé go bhfuil séanraí áirithe nach bhfuil craoladh ar bith á dhéanamh iontu i nGaeilge. An féidir leis an Aire Stáit a rá liom céard atá i gceist ag an Rialtas a dhéanamh le cinntiú go gcloíonn RTÉ leis an Acht Craolacháin, 2009 i leith na Gaeilge?
Comment on this
Mar is eol don Teachta, ghlac an Rialtas Dé Máirt le tuarascáil bhliantúil Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga. B'fhéidir go mbeidh an tAire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil, an Teachta Bruton, in ann an cheist maidir le RTÉ a fhreagairt. Tá an tAire sin freagrach as an gcraoltóir náisiúnta.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for the question. Níl an Ghaeilge go líofa agam, so I will not attempt to answer in Irish. I am very much aware the Irish Language Commissioner has reported that RTÉ is failing to meet its obligations as set out in the Act. Clearly the board of RTÉ and RTÉ need to consider this finding and respond adequately in respect of Act. The Irish Language Commissioner has indicated RTÉ is to report back to him and that he will take the steps available to him under the law. These include reporting back to the Oireachtas. I will be tracking this closely, I assure the Deputy.