Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 1986 > Committee on the Irish Language > Report No. 02 - Extension of the use of Irish in the proceedings of the Dáil and Seanad and in the environs of the Houses

1. Introduction

1.1.1 Since the first meeting of the Joint Committee was held on 29 May 1985, the Members have paid particular attention to the first Term of Reference, viz:

“the extension of the use of Irish in the proceedings of the Dáil and Seanad and in the environs of both Houses”

Although some work has been completed in connection with the second Term of Reference, viz:

“the promotion of the Irish language in general”

it is intended to continue concentrating on the first one because the Joint Committee feels that good example is needed and this must come from the Members of the Oireachtas in the first instance. On the basis that worthwhile progress is being made within the Houses of the Oireachtas the wider question of the Irish language in general may then be addressed.

1.2.1 In the first report regarding the Irish language which was laid before both Houses on 17 July 1985, a number of basic, attainable recommendations were made in relation to:

(i)the speaking of Irish; and

(ii)clear recognition of the Irish language

in the Houses. An outline was given of the proposals for the future which the Committee had at that point. A full report on the implementation of those recommendations and proposals will follow.

1.3.1 Generally speaking only limited progress has been made on the implementation of the recommendations in the first report and this is a source of disappointment to the Joint Committee. In spite of that, however, efforts to have the recommendations implemented speedily are being made continuously and at this stage assurances have been received that this will be the case without delay.

1.3.2 Arising from the proposals for the future contained in the first report the level of co-operation received from other Parliaments, from other Committees and from the Members of the Houses in general is a source of gratification to the Joint Committee.

1.4.1 It is felt that this is an opportune time to report on some of the activities which have been completed by the Joint Committee in relation to the Irish language in the Houses of the Oireachtas since the adoption of the first report.

1.4.2 Because the Members of both Houses were slow in submitting suggestions and practical recommendations a further circular was issued some time ago. Although a reasonable number of suggestions and recommendations were received from Members, the Joint Committee was disappointed with the number of Members who responded. This is mentioned again below (3.1.1).

1.4.3 Advertisements were placed in the national newspapers on 13 and 14 October 1985 seeking submissions from the public and from various organisations regarding the Joint Committee’s Terms of Reference. In those advertisements particular emphasis was placed on the second Term of Reference but, despite that, plenty of worthwhile suggestions regarding the Irish language in the Houses of the Oireachtas were received also. The number of submissions received was very satisfying to the Joint Committee and thanks is due to all those who made those submissions.

1.4.4 Arising out of the enquiries made with other Parliaments a good deal of information was procured on how these deal effectively with the use of two or more languages in their proceedings and this was very beneficial to the Joint Committee in the preparation of this report.

1.5.1In the first report the Joint Committee indicated that it intended:

“that the difficulties which must be overcome should be approached on a planned basis and actual progress made in stages”.

The Joint Committee is still of that view and the publication of this report is part of the process to achieve progress. Obviously, there are more comprehensive and more in-depth recommendations in this report than there were in the first one and also target dates for various items have been set. The Joint Committee feels that this is necessary in order that a time-table will exist by which progress — or lack of it even — may be measured and identified as the work proceeds.

1.6.1 The Joint Committee wishes to thank formally every individual and every organisation which has helped it in it’s work to date and it is hopeful that the same co-operation and good-will will continue.

2. Atmosphere for Irish in the Houses of the Oireachtas

2.1.1 The question must be put initially about what the Joint Committee means by an “atmosphere for Irish” in the Houses. As a reply the Joint Committee feels that the following issues are involved, viz:

(i)that the Irish language would be heard being spoken naturally by Members and staff of the Houses in their business and their social contact; and

(ii)that the Irish language would be seen widely in the notices, signs, emblems and all documents used in the Houses.

2.1.2 These issues will be considered in the following paragraphs and specific recommendations made in relation to them.

2.2.1 Irish is not heard frequently in either House — although matters have improved in recent years — and it is seldom that Irish is heard in the corridors of Leinster House in general either. This situation is difficult to believe in view of the numbers of people in Leinster House — between Members and staff, who have Irish — be it fluent, reasonable or weak, but it is true and it must be resolved. In this connection the Joint Committee feels that every person in Leinster House has a role to play in this work and that the Members have a particular responsibility to show leadership in the action which must be carried out. Every beginning is weak and it would not be realistic to expect exceptional progress within a very short space of time but, nevertheless, many small items could be completed immediately to start off the work — for example, salutations could be given through Irish regularly, Members could make short enquiries with staff such as “an bhfuil aon phost/teachtaireacht ann dom” (“are there any letters or messages there for me”) and so on. Every person need not start to speak Irish all the time and, indeed, perhaps a more lasting result could be achieved through a phased approach.

2.3.1 The Joint Committee understands that a number of Members would welcome an opportunity to practice the Irish language. In this connection the Authorities of the Houses have been requested for some time to provide a room and a tape recorder to enable Members to use instructional tapes in Irish — which will be available from the Librarian — to improve their proficiency in the language. It is hereby requested again that these facilities be made available as soon as possible but, at the latest, before the Summer recess.

2.3.2 Such a room, if available, could also be used for formal Irish classes — if there is a request to have these started later — and for social events in Irish from time to time.

2.4.1 From their experience in Leinster House the Members of the Joint Committee are aware that the majority of staff members have Irish and are disposed towards its usage. The staff must be encouraged to practice their Irish and, as mentioned previously (2.2.1), good example from the Members would help this considerably.

2.4.2 The Authorities of the Houses could also encourage the staff through generating an interest among them to play a more active role in the activities of Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí i.e., through attending classes, social events, week-end courses and applying for scholarships to the Gaeltacht.

2.4.3 It is recommended that every possible publicity be given to the activities of Gaeleagras among the staff from now on and that every opportunity be afforded them to participate fully in activities which are organised from time to time.

2.5.1 Specific recommendations were made in the first report regarding signs in general and also badges used in the Houses to be in Irish as soon as possible. The Joint Committee regrets to say that significant progress in relation to these items is not noticeable despite plenty of reminders to the relevant authorities. Promises have been made that the Office of Public Works will provide the signs soon but no target date has been given. They should be provided now without further delay.

2.5.2 Because of their importance in relation to visitors in particular, it is recommended that signs be provided immediately in the reception areas at the gates and in Leinster House pointing out clearly that business may be conducted through Irish and that Irish is welcome there.

2.5.3 In view of the fact that visitors use it regularly it is recommended that copies of magazines in Irish should be available always in the waiting room from now on.

2.6.1 It is noted from the most recent progress report on the implementation of the Action Plan for Irish 1983-1986 that in 1983 the Department of the Public Service asked other Departments of State to establish Irish Development Committees and appoint Responsible Officers on a parttime basis. Such a Committee has not been established nor such an officer appointed in Leinster House as it is not a Department of State. As the work which such a Committee and such an Officer could do might be very beneficial the Joint Committee recommends that the appropriate authorities examine the possibility of establishing such a Committee and appointing such an Officer in Leinster House.

2.7.1 Up to this point reference has been made in particular to the Members and to the staff of the Houses i.e. the Civil Servants. Obviously, there are more people than these working in Leinster House and these employees must receive due consideration in any efforts to further the Irish language. The largest group is the staff of the political parties and after that comes the security forces (Gardaí and Soldiers) and the representatives of the mass media.

2.7.2 It is a question for the Political Parties themselves to promote the Irish language in their activities and amongst their staff and the Joint Committee will expect that efforts to do this will continue.

2.7.3 It is not felt that the security forces will have any difficulty in participating in the efforts to promote the Irish language in the Houses.

2.7.4 In relation to the representatives of the mass media the Joint Committee is aware that the majority of them have Irish and could play a major role in helping with the efforts to improve the atmosphere for Irish in the Houses.

2.8.1 Many people in Leinster House have Irish but it is not known to the world at large that they have this capability. In those circumstances the Joint Committee feels that this difficulty could be resolved if An Fáinne Nua was worn regularly. It is recommended that everyone who has a capability in Irish should wear An Fáinne Nua as often as possible henceforth.

2.9.1 A sustained, substantial effort must be made to promote the Irish language in the Houses and a fundamental part of this is to change the atmosphere and steer it towards Irish. Every person in the Houses has a part to play in that work and the Joint Committee hopes that they will do this with eagerness and energy.

3 Irish in the Proceedings of the Houses

3.1.1 To assist the Joint Committee in fulfilling its first Term of Reference the Members of both Houses were invited to provide suggestions and practical recommendations. A circular letter was issued in July 1985 and because of the delay in the receipt of replies a reminder was issued in February 1986. Although an adequate number of replies have been received now the Joint Committee is disappointed at the number of Members who responded. The replies received relate to the Order of Business, Question Time and the Irish language in the work of the Houses in general

3.2.1 An Ceann Comhairle was also asked to provide suggestions and a reply has been received from him explaining that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges decided that it was a matter for the Joint Committee on the Irish Language to make recommendations in relation to the Irish language. In addition to that An Ceann Comhairle has indicated that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will be happy to consider recommendations from the Joint Committee favourably and sympathetically.

3.3.1 Certain difficulties in relation to the Irish language in the Houses have been identified and are described below.

3.3.2 The Joint Committee has been informed frequently by Members of both Houses that very little publicity may be gained from the use of Irish in the proceedings of the Houses and that they have enhanced prospects if they speak in English. This was a cause of concern to the Joint Committee and an informal meeting was held with the Press Gallery Committee to discuss the problem. It was clear from that meeting that no bias against Irish existed on the reporting side and that primarily the issue was an editorial one. The Joint Committee proposes to meet formally representatives of the mass media in the future to discuss the issue further.

3.3.3 At any time many people experience difficulties in speaking on certain issues in public in their normal language. Understandably, therefore, it is far more difficult for people like that to speak on a subject in another language and they are not sufficiently confident in their Irish to try and use it — even if they are proficient in it. These people must obtain practice so that they may become confident in what Irish they have and may use it. Recommendations have been made already to resolve this particular difficulty (2.3.1).

3.3.4 From the Members of the Joint Committee’s own experience and from complaints received from other Members, it appears that the bad sound-system in the Dáil chamber inhibits many people who would be prepared to contribute to debates in Irish. Leaving aside the benefit that would accrue to the use of Irish, this problem needs to be resolved and it is recommended strongly that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges examine it without delay.

3.3.5 Although the Joint Committee understands that such is not the case and that the opposite in fact prevails, a widespread opinion persists that Members of both Houses have no interest in the Irish language. Some action must be taken to prove this opinion false and the Political Parties are advised to take appropriate steps to that end, without delay.

3.4.1 Question Time is one of the most important institutions in the Dáil and each Member takes part with vigour. In the Action Plan for Irish 1983-1986 the following recommendation was made (Paragraph 4.6 (i)) regarding Question Time:

“that whenever Questions in Irish occur on the Order Paper, at least one such question be taken during each period of Question Time in 1983; and that at least two such Questions be taken in each period of Question Time from 1984 onwards. Alternatively, that a time be set aside for Questions in Irish on one day per week”

1983 was mentioned as a target date but that recommendation has not been implemented yet, unfortunately.

3.4.2 Needless to say Members are entitled to table questions in whatever language they like and they should not be coerced into putting down questions in Irish rather than in English. Allowing for this, the Joint Committee is of the view that many Members could put down questions in Irish henceforth which are now put in English, without much difficulty and with the same end result for themselves. It is vital to indicate clearly that current issues of every description may be debated in Irish and in these circumstances it would be of immense benefit if Members put down oral and written questions on various topics on a regular basis. If every Member who has Irish put down one question in Irish per week initially it would be clear that Irish is alive and in use. Accordingly, it is recommended that every Member who has Irish should put down one question, at least, in Irish every week from the first week of June 1986 onwards. Between then and the Summer recess one question in Irish should be taken each day Question Time is held in the Dáil. After the Summer recess two questions in Irish, at least, should be taken each day.

3.4.3 At present every Member may enter two questions for the lottery of oral questions each day. As an incentive to the Members to put down more questions in Irish it is recommended that permission be given to Members to enter an additional question in the lottery each day provided that such question would be in Irish. This arrangement should not apply to the Department of the Gaeltacht.

3.4.4 In addition to the ordinary questions which are put down attention must be drawn to those which have priority. It would be advisable that one such question be taken in Irish each day initially and two or more subsequently. The same time-scale should apply to this recommendation as to that at paragraph 3.4.2.

3.4.5 Because of the importance attached to the position one question should be put to An Taoiseach in Irish henceforth each day on which questions are being taken by him. This could be initiated from the beginning of June 1986.

3.4.6 In order to have the above recommendations implemented they must be accepted by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. It is recommended to that Committee that it act accordingly as soon as possible.

3.5.1 The following Recommendations relating to speeches in Irish were made in the “Action Plan for Irish 1983-1986 “(Paragraph 4.6 (ii) — (iii))

“that at least one member from each Party speak wholly or mainly in Irish on the second stage of each Bill taken in the Dáil or Seanad and that the written second readings speeches from the Government and opposition sides should include a section in Irish.

Bord na Gaeilge asks the Government to recommend to each Minister that on suitable occasions when he is reporting in general on the work of his Department in the Dáil or Seanad (e.g. during the discussion of Departmental Estimates),

(a)the Minister give an account of the operation of Irish-language policy within the Department, and

(b)that this section, or another substantial section of the Minister’s script be in Irish”.

The Joint Committee has no objection to these recommendations and the Government and opposition Parties should implement them as soon as practicable.

3.5.2 As stated previously Members should not be coerced into taking action relating to the Irish language: they should do this voluntarily, willingly and eagerly and the Joint Committee feels that this would be the case if they had the proper incentive. To that end the following would be required:

(i)practice. Recommendations have been made about this above (2.3.1).

(ii)basic reference books — English/Irish and Irish/English dictionaries, “Maidir le do litir” and “An Sloinnteoir Gaeilge agus an tAinmneoir” should be available in the offices of Members of both Houses. It is recommended that these be provided — over a period if necessary, but that they should be available in every office before the end of 1987 at the latest.

(iii)a bi-lingual handbook of those phrases which are used regularly in the work of the Houses should be provided. Such a handbook used to be available but it is out of print now: it is understood from An Ceann Comhairle that it is intended to revise it and republish it. The new version of that handbook should be available, at the latest, before the Members return after the Summer recess in 1986.

3.5.3 On the basis of a proper incentive being there for them the Joint Committee feels that Members of both Houses could deliver speeches in Irish or, at least bi-lingually, move motions in Irish and put down questions in Irish, without difficulty, about any subject. This is attainable within a reasonable period of time and the Joint Committee intends to monitor the progress on the achievement of those aims.

3.6.1 The Political Parties have a major role to play in the promotion of the Irish language in the proceedings of the Houses. To emphasise this point to them and to achieve worthwhile progress the Joint Committee intends to meet soon the Leaders of those Parties which are represented in the Houses at present.

4 The Translation System

4.1.1 In this chapter the issues of translation and interpretation in the Houses and the comparisons with the system in other Parliaments will be discussed.

4.1.2 At present eleven (11) officials work in the Translation Section as follows:

Principal Translator (1)

Deputy Principal Translator (1)

Senior Translator (3)

Junior Translator (6)

One post has been lost due to the embargo on filling vacancies.

4.1.3 Applicants for posts as Junior Translator i.e. the entry grade, must be qualified as follows:

(i)qualified for a recognised University Degree in which Irish was a subject in the final examination;

(ii)extremely high level of competence in written and oral Irish; and

(iii)high level of competence in written and oral English.

4.1.4 The primary responsibility of the Translation Section is to provide Irish versions of Laws, Statutory Instruments, International Conventions, International Accords, documents for the Dáil and Seanad (Order of Business, Proceedings of the Dáil, Proceedings of the Seanad, Motions and Proposals to be put before both Houses, etc) and official forms of every description — for example, the forms used in the work of the Courts, Revenue Commissioners, etc. Priority is given to work which has important legal connotations and which is urgent.

4.1.5 Junior Translators from the Section do interpreting work in the Dáil and that activity has become part of the official duty of anyone appointed to the Section in recent years.

4.1.6 It is understood that the Principal Translator, Deputy Principal Translator and Senior Translators provide instruction and guidance for those coming into the Translation Section as Junior Translators.

4.1.7 It is clear to the Joint Committee that an immense increase has taken place in recent years in relation to the range, type, technicality and complexity of the translation work undertaken. More work is being handled now than ever before due in particular, to the increase in the number of Statutory Instruments (two hundred and seventy (270) in 1965: four hundred and forty eight (448) in 1983), the Reports of Oireachtas Committees and all the work associated with the European Community.

Although there is far more work to do now there has not been an increase in the number of translators to deal with it as the following statistics show:

4.2.1 As mentioned previously it is part of the official duty of Junior Translators to provide an interpretation service in the Dáil when required. Particular skills pertain to this work and specific training for it is necessary.

It is not clear whether such training is provided at present as this work is not one of their principal duties — it is understood that, in fact, it impedes those duties.

4.2.2 With the present system in the Dáil a simultaneous translation from Irish to English is provided through headphones to Deputies, appropriate Officials and journalists in the Press Gallery.

4.3.1 Arising from enquiries made with other Parliaments it is clear that they have far more sophisticated translation and interpretation systems than we have in this country. In Canada, for example, Members of both Houses may avail of a service through which translations are provided, inter alia, of:

(i)part of speeches (about one thousand (1,000) words) to be delivered on various topics in the Houses;

(ii)correspondence between the Members and the public; and

(iii)working documents required by Members to perform their duties as legislators.

Obviously, very stringent guide-lines have been laid down regarding work which is acceptable or unacceptable for translation.

4.3.2 In other Parliaments a clear division exists also between translation and interpretation. In the European Parliament, for example, Translator and Interpreter are two separate grades with different qualifications/training and two separate Directorates looking after them.

4.4.1 Based on the information received by the Joint Committee from the Authorities in Leinster House and from the Authorities in other Parliaments it is clear that the present translation system has basic deficiencies.

4.4.2 People who are qualified and trained in translation work are dealing with interpretation. Because these are two different academic disciplines each requiring its own skills and training the present arrangement is not satisfactory.

4.4.3 Because of the volume of work and the small number of staff to deal with it a back-log has developed and this is not satisfactory. An Irish version of Acts should be available very soon after they have been passed — the present position is unacceptable because there is a delay of six months or more, occasionally, on the Irish versions.

4.4.4 Only the Dáil has an interpretation system at present and the following deficiencies have been identified in it:

(i)the headphones are not comfortable;

(ii)there is a continual back-ground noise because the interpreter is not in a sound-proof room; and

(iii)headphones are not available in the Public Gallery.

4.4.5 At the moment there is no interpretation system in the Seanad or in the Committee Rooms and this is not acceptable.

4.5.1 The Joint Committee has the following recommendations to make in relation to the translation system.

4.5.2 Translation Issues

(i)The number of translators needs greatly to be increased and the Authorities of the Houses should seek permission immediately from the Department of the Public Service to employ the additional translators required. The number of additional translators required could be determined by an early survey to be carried out in conjunction with officials from the Management Services Division of the Department of the Public Service. At the latest, it would be expected that the additional translators would be employed before the end of the current year.

(ii)In order to help the Members of both Houses in the preparation of speeches etc., limited assistance at least should be available to them from the Translation Section. This item could be included in the survey mentioned at (i). It would be expected that this service — on a trial-basis initially, if necessary, should be available from 1 January 1987.

(iii)With an increase in the number of translators it could be expected that both versions of Acts would be available simultaneously when the new technology i.e. word processing facilities, is in use. On that basis a point could be reached in the future when the Heading of every Bill would be available in Irish and in English at the same time. This target is attainable over a number of years in the view of the Joint Committee.

4.5.3 Interpretation Issues

(i)The following improvements in the interpretation system in the Dáil are urgently needed:

(a)a sound-proof room to be available henceforth for interpreters;

(b)alternative headphones to be provided (if such are available); and

(c)headphones to be available in the Public Gallery.

(ii)It is a basic deficiency that there is no interpretation system in the Seanad. In view of the fact that major works will be carried out in the Seanad in the near future the Joint Committee feels that it would be appropriate to instal an effective interpretation system as part of those works. That system should be installed and working before the end of 1987.

(iii)Because of the large increase in the number of Oireachtas Committees and the diversity of work being dealt with by them the Joint Committee feels that they could use some Irish in their proceedings. To start with it is suggested that the Chairpersons of the various Committees urge the Members from now on to use even a little Irish, at least, in the proceedings on a regular basis.

To assist the Committees to use more Irish without difficulty the Joint Committee feels that an effective interpretation system should be installed in at least one of the rooms available for meetings of Committees. This should be done by the end of 1987, at the latest.

(iv)It was stated prior to this (4.4.2) that interpretation and translation are two separate disciplines. Instruction and appropriate training should be available henceforth for officials dealing with interpretation as are available in other Parliaments. On that basis, at least three officials should be available with appropriate skills in interpretation (in addition to skills in translation) to deal with that aspect of the work regularly. When such work would not be in progress they could deal with translation.

5. The Reporting System

5.1.1 In this chapter it is proposed to deal with reporting matters in the Houses and in other Parliaments.

5.1.2 At the moment the present staff is engaged in the Reporting Section:

Editor of Debates (1)

Deputy Editors (3)

Reporters (11)

(There is an establishment of 14 but at the moment there are two vacancies and one person is on maternity leave).

Trainee Reporters (5)

Audio-typists (19)

(There is an establishment of 20 but one post has been lost due to the embargo on the filling of vacancies).

5.1.3(i) Applicants for positions as reporters must achieve an extremely high standard of short-hand in the entrance examination. Because the standard was so high it proved difficult to recruit suitable people and it was decided to establish a scheme for trainee reporters some time ago. What was intended was that these people would have a high standard of short-hand initially and that after receipt of further training they would be in a position to undergo the examination for the position of reporter.

Although Irish is not essential for appointment as reporter/trainee reporter, applicants are informed that it is desirable that they have a knowledge of it.

(ii)Audio-typists for the Reporting Section are recruited from a competition conducted amongst typists already working in the Civil Service. Irish is not essential although it is pointed out that it is desirable that applicants have a knowledge of it.

5.1.4 The duties assigned to the Reporting Section in relation to the work of the Houses and of the Committees is as follows.

(i)In the Dáil proceedings in English are reported verbatim i.e. the reporters take down the contribution using shorthand during a “take” — each “take” lasts ten minutes, and subsequently tape these (doing some editing in the course of the operation). The audio-typists provide transcripts and after further work by the editorial staff these are sent to the printers. When the proceedings are in Irish they are taped directly and the audio-typists prepare transcripts for the editorial staff.

(ii)In the Seanad and in Committee rooms the proceedings — whether in Irish or in English, are taped and the audio-typists prepare transcripts. These transcripts are edited and subsequently sent to the printers.

5.2.1 The Joint Committee is not au fait with reporting matters in other Parliaments with the exception of the European Parliament. In that Parliament proceedings are taped and audio-typists prepare transcripts on word processors. A draft is provided from these machines, this is edited and then sent back to the audio-typists: they make the appropriate amendments and the finished version is provided. This is a very effective system.

5.3.1(i) The Joint Committee understands that there are particular difficulties associated with reporting in Irish. The major problem is one of staff. It is extremely difficult, apparently, to obtain suitable people to do the work in English — not to mention Irish, and a reporter with Irish has not been recruited for a long time. Only one reporter has a capability in Irish and only one deputy editor can deal effectively with transcripts in Irish.

(ii)At the moment four audio-typists are capable of preparing transcripts in Irish and even then they must be assisted by a person who has very good Irish. These audio-typists complain regularly that there is far more work and difficulty associated with transcripts in Irish and they feel that they deserve some form of allowance for these disadvantages.

5.4.1 It appears to the Joint Committee that there are major difficulties to be surmounted in order to rectify the present problems. It is felt that the following could help to improve the situation.

(i)People must be found who are capable of editing transcripts in Irish. This could be done by:

(a)sending some of the present staff on training courses to enable them to do the work; or

(b)recruiting people who would be capable of doing the work; or

(c)hiring people who would be capable of doing the work on a fee basis.

It is recommended that the appropriate authorities in the Houses consult the Department of the Public Service immediately in this connection to try and find a solution. If it is necessary to pay additional allowances or fulfil other conditions the Minister for the Public Service should be as flexible as possible because of the special requirements of the Houses.

(ii)In relation to the difficulties associated with audio-typing it is noted that two separate problems exist:

(a)the employment of more audio-typists with a capability of working through Irish; and

(b)an incentive to be given to audio-typists to deal with tapes in Irish.

As regards (a) people with Irish could be sought specifically through organising a competition which would be open to all. People who are proficient in Irish are coming from training courses but they cannot apply for positions in the Houses because they are not in the Civil Service already. If that condition was set aside it is felt that an open competition could produce a fruitful result. Needless to say audio-typists so recruited would also have to be satisfactory from the point of view of English.

No disadvantages should be associated with Irish and the Department of the Public Service should recognise that fact and grant increased allowances for transcripts in Irish — it is clear now that such an incentive is required.

6. Miscellaneous matters

6.1.1 Major changes will take place in the Houses in the years ahead because of progress due to new technology and the Joint Committee is satisfied that this could have a major influence on the state of the Irish language. Already small points which are not to the benefit of the Irish language are taking place — for example, it appears that typewriters which have not got sínte faide are being purchased. Perhaps this is a minor issue but it means that letters etc., in Irish which are prepared on these machines are neither well-finished nor tidy — because of the necessity of putting in the sínte faide in pen, and that is a diminution in status for the Irish language: that is not acceptable.

6.1.2 It is recommended that it be ensured henceforth that every typewriter and word processor — not to mention more sophisticated equipment — purchased be capable of providing equally well-finished work in Irish as in English by making appropriate adjustments before purchase.

6.2.1 In the future it appears that the proceedings of both Houses may be broadcast on radio. The Joint Committee is of the opinion that this could have a major influence on the position of Irish in both Houses and on the position of Irish in the country generally. Irish would be heard throughout the country being used in the Houses to discuss general matters: it is felt that this could provide inspiration and an incentive to other people to use more Irish.

6.2.2 Long term perhaps the proceedings may be broadcast on television — depending, of course, on the views of the Members — as is the case at the moment with the European Parliament and with the House of Lords in England. That would also help the Irish language because it would be obvious to all that every aspect of modern life could be debated naturally and without difficulty, through Irish.

7. Future Policy

7.1.1 As mentioned in the Introduction the Joint Committee has been concentrating up to now on the question of Irish in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Emphasis will continue to be laid on this question through:

(i)intensive monitoring of the implementation of the proposals in this Report; and

(ii)examining the question of Irish in the political parties.

7.1.2 In the future the Joint Committee will be examining the question of Irish in the proceedings of Local Authorities and Health Boards as far as the Members are concerned.

7.2.1 A very wide range of issues must be examined under the second Term of Reference and the Joint Committee is commencing on this work now by taking evidence from those people and from those organisations who made submissions to it and sought an opportunity to discuss them.

7.3.1 The Joint Committee has requested that it’s Orders of Reference be amended soon to empower it:

(i)to appoint sub-committees; and

(ii)to obtain consultancy services.

In the view of the Joint Committee these powers would help it considerably in the work to be carried out and it is hoped that they will be provided without delay.

8. Epilogue

8.1.1 In conclusion, it must be stated that the Joint Committee feels that this is a particularly important report and that it could have a major bearing on the position of the Irish language in the Houses of the Oireachtas in the years to come. Practical recommendations, which are attainable within a reasonable period of time, have been assembled and the Joint Committee sees no reason why there should be difficulty in their implementation on the basis that good-will and co-operation will be forthcoming from the appropriate authorities.

8.2.1 The Joint Committee asks every person and every Party to play a positive, active role in having the recommendations made previously implemented. It is hoped that substantial progress will be achieved gradually and that the improvement which everyone expects will be noticeable before long.

(Signed) DENIS GALLAGHER T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee.

24 April, 1986.