Stádas na Gaeilge san Eoraip
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-14
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Alan Dillon (FG), Mayo

I again thank Senator Mullen for raising this important issue and for his advocacy for the Irish language. I endeavour to use the Irish language whenever I can. When I visit the European Parliament or we have ministerial engagements in Brussels, I use it as much as I can, at the start and at the end. I acknowledge the commitment of all our MEPs on this issue. Cynthia Ní Mhurchú is one who continues to advocate for the Irish language and puts it front and centre, along with many others. I assure the Senator that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to progress this matter at European level. In response to his point, we need to see progress on this. We need to see sufficient staff who have fluent Irish to provide sufficient interpretation for set-piece events, but also to ensure that it can become a working language for many who want to continue in that regard. We need to look at recruitment and ensure that campaigns are focused on those areas within the Gaeltacht regions for people who would have an opportunity to provide that skill set to others. The broader point is that we hope the derogation as it stands is lifted. We will continue to engage with the Parliament on this matter.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:57+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-14