Ó Cuirreáin resigns, Ó Domhnaill to be appointed by the President
February 24, 2014
Motion for nomination of An Coimisinéir Teanga passed in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann
To coincide with Seán Ó Cuirreáin’s resignation from his role as An Coimsinéir Teanga at the weekend, crowds gathered in An Spidéal to thank the first ever appointed Coimisinéir Teanga for 10 years of valuable work and to show their dissatisfaction with the Civil Service’s approach to the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities.
The crowd marched from Oifig an Coimisinéara Teanga in An Spidéal to the office of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in Na Forbacha where a Department officer accepted a letter addressed to the Minister of State Dinny McGinley T.D., written by the Gaeltacht and Irish speaking communities pleading with the Minister to take a stand on behalf of the language.
The letter asked Minster McGinley to seek a change of attitude and a change of policy from the Government and the amending of Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 to ensure that Gaeltacht boundaries be set according to linguistic criteria and the implementation of a clear policy to ensure the provision of Irish language services throughout the Civil Service to a satisfactory level.
Speaking at the march on Sunday, Seán Ó Cuirreáín thanked the crowd in attendance for the continuous support and he also wished the incoming Coimisinéir Teanga, rón Ó Domhnaill, well in his new role.
A motion regarding Rónán Ó Domhnaill’s nomination was passed in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday and in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday. While the nomination was welcomed in both Houses, many questions and concerns about the current state of the Irish language were raised.
Members of the Opposition expressed disappointment at Seán Ó Cuirreáin’s decision to resign and the outgoing Coimisinéir was praised for his work over the past ten years.
Members of the Oireachtas also praised the 10,000 that marched through the streets of Dublin as part of Lá Mór na Gaeilge which was held recently and the campaign’s demands were highlighted in both the Dáil and the Seanad. The Government’s overall approach to the Irish language was heavily criticised and it was advised that the needs of the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities be of utmost importance.
An Coimisinéir Teanga is appointed by the President of Ireland on the advice of the Government and it has been confirmed by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht that preparations are being made by Micheal D. Higgins’ office to appoint Rónán Ó Domhnaill very shortly.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
