We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Gaeltacht services loss

Summary

Deputy Shanahan said An Rinn agus An Sean Phobal have lost essential services despite commitments to protect the Irish language and Gaeltacht areas. The Taoiseach agreed more needs to be done and said he would take the Deputy’s suggestions away.

When this Government was formed in 2020 there was a post office, a GP practice and an active Garda station in Gaeltacht na nDéise. Despite all the ráméising in this House about protecting our Irish language, having it listed as an official EU working language, mandatory publishing and broadcasting as Gaeilge, the Government supports required to protect our teanga are not in evidence in An Rinn agus An Sean Phobal, where the GP practice, the manned Garda station and now the last post office have closed. All of this while €50 million has drifted out the doors of Údarás na Gaeltachta since 2019 but nothing spent i nGaeltacht na nDéise. Less talk and more action is required. Will the Taoiseach look at reviewing the charter of both Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Post in terms of their responsibilities to support the community services in our Gaeltacht but especially i nGaeltacht na nDéise?

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I will indeed. I thank Deputy Shanahan for raising this. On taking office, I had a very good meeting with a number of Irish-language groups and groups representing Gaeltacht areas. There is a real need to do a lot more in this space. The Deputy’s two constructive suggestions are ones I am happy to take away and come back to him on.

Comment on this