Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill, who is standing for Fianna Fáil in Donegal South West, has said that Fine Gael’s Irish language policy would ‘destroy’ the Gaeltacht.
‘It appears that Fine Gael are still intent on forging ahead with their plan to make the learning of Irish optional for the Leaving Cert even though they are now claiming that they will consult with stakeholders before doing so.
“They should save themselves the bother of consulting the Gaeltacht and Irish language community because there is no doubt about where they stand on this issue.
“Fine Gael’s policy would destroy the Gaeltacht. That’s the message I’m getting on the doorsteps of Donegal South West.’
Senator Ó Dómhnaill said Fine Gael’s plan would drive Irish Summer Colleges out of business as it would lead to a catastrophic decline in the number of students attending courses.
‘I don’t think Fine Gael understand the importance of the Summer Colleges to the economy of the Gaeltacht. They are now saying that they will double the number of students studying Irish for the leaving cert by 2018.
“How do they propose to do this by making the study of Irish optional? It would be laughable if it wasn’t such a serious issue.
“If Fine Gael wish to consult with people on this issue they should begin that consultation immediately with the ‘Mna Tí’ here in Donegal and in Irish colleges all over the Gaeltacht who are frightened that one of the country’s main political parties have adopted such a reckless position.
“I would implore Enda Kenny to let reason prevail on this issue and to stand with the people of the Gaeltacht and the Irish language community rather than with whatever focus group came up with this dangerous plan’.
Dhéanfadh polasaí Gaeilge Fhine Gael scrios ar an nGaeltacht – Brian Ó Domhnaill
– Dúnadh na gcolasití samhraidh a bheadh mar thoradh ar ‘Ghaeilge roghnach’
Tá ráite ag an Seanadóir Brian Ó Domhnaill, iarrathóir sa toghchán do Fhianna Fáil i nDún na Gall Thiar Theas, go ndéanfadh polasaí Gaeilge Fhine Gael ‘scrios ar an nGaeltacht’.
‘Is léir go bhfuil Fine Gael fós ag iarraidh treabhadh ar aghaidh lena bplean deireadh a chur le riachtanas na Gaeilge don Ardteist cé go bhfuil siad anois ag rá go rachaidh siad i gcomhairle leis na geallsealbhóirí ar dtús. Ní gá dóibh aon stró a chur orthu féin dul i gcomhairle le pobal na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge mar níl aon amhras faoi cad a cheapann siad.
Dhéanfadh polasaí Fhine Gael scrios ar an dteanga Sin an tuairim atá cloiste agamsa ar na doirse i nGaeltacht Thír Chonaill.’
Dúirt an Seanadóir Ó Dómhnaill go gcuirfeadh plean Fhine Gael na Coláistí Samhraidh as gnó mar go mbeadh titim chomh tubaisteach sin ar líon na ndaltaí a fhrestalaíonn orthu dá gcuirfí deireadh le riachtanas na Gaeilge.
‘Ní dóigh liom go dtuigeann Fine Gael chomh tábhachtach is atá na Coláistí Smahraidh do gheilleagar na Gaeltachta. Tá siad ag caint faoi chéatadán na ndaltaí a dhéanann Gaeilge don Ardteist a dhúbailt faoi 2018. Conas a dhéanfaí é sin trí an Ghaeilge a dhéanamh roghnach? Bheadh sé greannmhar muna mbeadh sé chomh tromchúiseach sin.
‘Má tá Fine Gael ag iarraidh dul i gcomhairle le daoine faoin bplean amaideach seo ba chóir dóibh dul i gcomhairle láithreach le na ‘Mná tí’ anseo i dTír Chonaill agus ar fud na Gaeltachta atá trína chéile go bhfuil an seasamh mí-stuama seo á thógáil ag ceann de phríompháirtithe na tíre. Impím ar Enda Kenny géilleadh don cheart sa chás seo agus seasamh le muintir na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge seachas le lucht pé grúpa fócais as a dtáinig an smaoineamh buile seo,’ a dúirt an Seanadóir.
