Jerry Buttimer
Cork South-Central · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Its priority is to provide scheduled public transport services on the TFI network. It works with event organisers, operators, local authorities and An Garda Síochána to provide additional transport supports where it is possible to do so.”
“I commit to relaying the points the Senator has made on the floor of the House, and has conveyed to me in private, to the Department of Transport. To be fair to the Senator, it was not only this morning that he has articulated this. The travelling supporters of Kerry and Mayo deserve additional transport.”
“I understand from the company that the Expressway team is currently examining whether additional services on route 22 will be added on the morning of Sunday, 26 July.”
“In this case, for Kerry and Mayo, as the Senator rightly said, it will see a high demand for scheduled and additional services. The Senator has outlined the volume of tickets sales. This is the busiest time for scheduled intercity services anyway, given that it is peak summer time, and that is a priority.”
“I understand from speaking to Irish Rail that it hopes to be in a position to confirm the number of additional services later this week - I am hoping this will be today or tomorrow - and it will advise customers as soon as these services are available to book.”
“The Senator mentioned Sneem and Ventry. He and I will remember our great friends, the late, great John Egan and Paudie O'Shea, as well as the Senator's brother Tim. I get emotional because they were great GAA people. Cork and Kerry have the best supporters of the GAA.”
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“I offer mo chomhghairdeas don Cheannaire, an Seanadóir Seán Kyne, as ucht a phoist nua. Beidh sé go hiontach sa ról sin, is dóigh liom. I congratulate the Senator on his appointment and thank him for raising this very important matter of the N59. In total, €411 million of Exchequer capital funds was provided for national roads through TII through local authorities in 2024 with €14 million for national roads in Galway under the national road allocations announced earlier. Allocations for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks. In the new NDP launched in October 2021, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects to 2030. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key national strategic outcomes.”
“Given that it will cost less than €1 million and it is a priority in terms of cross-Border connectivity but it is also about the enhancement of road safety in tandem with the Government road strategy of reducing accidents on the road, I will make a case for the Senator and with him regarding this project. I thank him for raising the matter this morning. It is an important project for very good reasons. I will bring his remarks back to the Minister and the Department.”
“As the Senator rightly said, the N2 certainly fits into that category given the level of collisions and fatalities. In the latter half of this decade, more of the funding in the NDP will become available. Last year, €411 million of Exchequer capital funding was provided to the TII. As the Senator rightly said, funding constraints meant there was no funding made available last year for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney project. However, it is a very central part of the NDP and I am sure his advocacy this morning will not fall on deaf ears. As such, the delivery programme for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney scheme will be kept under review for 2025 and will be considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The allocations for this year will be announced in the coming weeks.”
“I fully agree that we have let many of them down. We need to do a lot more. I reiterate the point that from my conversations with her, the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, is determined to address the anomalies. I look forward to working with the Senator on the matter and I thank him for raising it this morning. I also thank Kelly-Marie for being here this morning.”
“-----with 93 teams across the country. I accept there are varying degrees of service provision. The teams are also providing strategies and supports for urgent cases as the waiting list for staffing resources allows. In 2025, €10 million was made available for children's services, building on existing recruitment issues, with funding focusing on various positions across CDNTs, with new therapist posts, staff grade posts, health and social care assistant posts and clinical trainee posts. I reiterate that the Government is committed and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, is determined to work to ensure the discrepancies and, as the Senator said, the reiterative failures are addressed. We will work to ensure that the CDNT capacity is increased and that the appropriate level of services for children with disabilities is provided.”
“I am conscious of the need, as are Government and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to address the challenges in the provision of services for children with disabilities and their families. I again commit to working with Kelly-Marie on behalf of Eve Lynne. The Government is fully committed to advancing the progress of recruitment and retention of staff to enable capacity-building in CDNTs. Notwithstanding the comments the Senator made, it is important to acknowledge that CDNTs are currently providing services and supports to 42,000 children-----”
“I do not disagree with him in many cases. I think he is right. The one thing I disagree on is that many of us do put a value on and cherish all of our children equally. There is a system failure or if not a system failure, then whatever it is, there is a significant need and void that we need to fill. The Senator knows that my sincerity on this matter is genuine, as his is. I will work with him to ensure that Eve Lynne and her family get the best outcome following this Commencement matter. I will work with the Senator and other families, as many of us in this Chamber do daily. We have a huge challenge. When Senator Rabbitte was Minister of State in the Department, she did significant work and should be credited for that. We have to bring the system further on the road. I look forward to working with the Senator.”
“However, the fundamental point here is that the Government has committed to recruitment and retention of staff, which is a challenge, for posts in the 93 CDNTs, which provide supports for 42,000 children. The Government has provided a 17% increase in staff, with an additional 272 staff in 2024. Ongoing recruitment issues are being addressed but it is important to understand that the HSE disability budget for 2025 has grown to €3.2 billion, which is an 11.6% increase. I conclude by being sensitive to the case the Senator raised, to the family and to the matters which he has raised previously in the House. This matter is a priority for the Government and for the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton. I will work with Members of the House and the Senator to ensure that Government is held to account for this. He referred to reiterative failure.”
“I feel inadequate reading a reply to the Senator and Kelly-Marie this morning. I am told that St. Michael's House has assured the HSE that it is striving to improve waiting times experienced by some children. I know that the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, at the behest of the Tánaiste, is committed to making changes and improving the situation. As the Senator knows, a number of initiatives are being taken to address the list. They include webinars, which he referred to. They are perhaps not adequate in some cases. They include workshops, advice clinics and group interventions. St. Michael's House has also allowed access to a new support plan for families, with accredited guides, packs, videos and webinars covering a range of topics.”
“I give the Senator a commitment this morning, on the floor of the Chamber, that I will advocate on his behalf and of the family and Eve Lynne. I will talk to the Department personally when I leave today. I understand that the response I gave is unsatisfactory. I understand the frustration and annoyance. I know the Senator knows that I genuinely understand.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, and Government are committed to addressing the ongoing challenges in recruitment being experienced by the HSE and the various lead agencies across a variety of disciplines and grades, in order to ensure that each CDNT is fully staffed. St. Michael's House is the lead agency for Kilbarrack children's disability network team. I am told it accepted the referral of Eve Lynne in July last year and she is on the waiting list for the team. However, the CDNT has agreed to backdate her referral to the date of her initial clinical appointment in June 2022. I do not have good news for the Senator. Regrettably, at this time, I am informed that Kilbarrack CDNT advised that it is unable to give an exact date for an appointment.”
“The Minister has committed to the continuing development and enhancement of the 93 CDNTs as they seek to ensure, as the Senator said, equitable access to services for all children with complex needs and putting a value on all of them together. As Senators will be well aware, the progressing disability services, PDS, roadmap has a focus on the ongoing development of CDNT services to meet growing and current demands. I acknowledge that the difficulties faced in this particular case and by many thousands of children, as the Senator said, who have had no meaningful occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech therapy, are unacceptable.”
“I thank the Senator for raising the matter. I welcome Kelly-Marie to the Public Gallery. In many ways, the response that I have is inadequate for the request that the Senator has made for Eve Lynne. I am cognisant that the words on this paper do not reflect the reality and the lived experience of so many parents, as he has rightly said. I have a strong connection with the disability sector in Cork and have been vocal on the matter, with the Senator, in this House. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, who is unfortunately not here today. She sends her apologies. The Minister and Department have set up a number of processes, including a number of briefing sessions for members of the parliamentary community.”
“Arís eile, tá an Stát, an Rialtas seo, agus mé féin mar Aire Stáit sa Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe, Pobail agus Gaeltachta, tiomanta do ghealltanais an Rialtais i leith fhorbairt agus bhuanú na Gaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm trí chomhoibriú libhse go léir agus go háirithe leis an Aire, an Teachta Calleary, agus leis an Aire, an Teachta McEntee. Bainimis go léir sásamh as an Ghaeilge atá againn a úsáid le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge agus gach seachtain sa téarma Rialtais sa Dáil agus sa Seanad.”
“Tá aonad nua don Ghaeilge bunaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais chun plean gnímh dhá bhliain a fhorbairt chun tacú le teagasc agus le foghlaim na Gaeilge i scoileanna meán-Bhéarla, plean a bheidh le foilsiú freisin i mbliana. Tá an Stát agus an Rialtas seo tiomanta don Ghaeilge. Tá mo Roinn agus an Roinn Oideachais tiomanta don Ghaeilge agus tá freagracht ar gach Roinn agus orainn go léir as an nGaeilge. Mar Aire Stáit, leanfaidh mé agus mo Roinn ag comhoibriú leis na Ranna Stáit go léir i leith na Gaeilge, ag cinntiú go n-éiríonn leis an Rialtas na spriocanna sa chlár Rialtais a chur i bhfeidhm. Luaigh an tAire, an Teachta Calleary, Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí agus measaim gur iontach an deis é seo dúinne, mar ionadaithe poiblí, na deiseanna a thapú chun an Ghaeilge a úsáid.”
“Sa bhreis air seo, ceadaíodh ciste €900,000 chun leathnú suntasach a dhéanamh ar an gciste scoláireachta do scoláirí in iarbhunscoileanna DEIS chun freastal ar chúrsaí Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht le linn an tsamhraidh amach romhainn. Faoin gciste breise atá ceadaithe, beidh os cionn 800 scoláire in aghaidh na bliana as iarbhunscoileanna DEIS ar fud na tíre in ann tairbhe a bhaint as tréimhse foghlama sa Ghaeltacht. Chomh maith leis an bpolasaí don oideachas Gaeltachta, tá an Roinn Oideachais anois i mbun oibre ar pholasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt. Leagfaidh an Roinn amach spriocanna uaillmhianacha sa pholasaí seo maidir le soláthar an oideachais lán-Ghaeilge, agus aithneofar gníomhartha ann chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh i dtreo na spriocanna sin.”
“Tá taighde fadtréimhseach á chur i gcrích i láthair na huaire a bheidh mar bhonn eolais don pholasaí nua, agus tá oifigigh na Roinne i mbun plé leis na scoileanna le roinnt míonna anuas chun tús a chur leis an gcomhairliúchán cuí. Tá mórán scéimeanna ag mo Roinn a thacaíonn agus a chuireann le obair na Roinne Oideachais sa chóras trí chéile. Cuireann scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge deiseanna breise foghlama agus saibhriú teanga ar fáil sna ceantair Ghaeltachta d’fhoghlaimeoirí lasmuigh den chóras oideachais. De réir fhigiúirí na Roinne, ghlac breis is 27,000 foghlaimeoir páirt i gcúrsaí d’fhoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge anuraidh. Fágann sé seo go bhfuil infheistíocht sa bhreis ar €6 mhilliún á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn san earnáil seo faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta.”
“Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge agus tá pobal beo labhartha ag an teanga. Tá an Rialtas ag iarraidh an pobal sin a bhuanú agus a neartú tríd an infheistíocht go léir agus an chistíocht a chuirtear ar fáil. Aithním agus aithníonn na hAirí, na Teachtaí McEntee agus Calleary, go bhfuil tuilleadh dul chun cinn le déanamh sa réimse seo agus go bhfuil dúshláin os ár gcomhair, ach caithfear a admháil go bhfuil an-chuid bainte amach againn ar gá a aithint agus creidiúint a thabhairt don obair sin go léir. Tá éacht déanta ag scoileanna Gaeltachta na tíre seo mar thoradh ar an scéim aitheantais scoileanna Gaeltachta ach tá obair fós le déanamh. Ar an mbonn sin tá obair tosaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais i dtreo polasaí nua a fhorbairt.”
“Tá an Rialtas seo tiomanta a chuid a dhéanamh ar son na teanga don chainteoir Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, sa bhaile seirbhíse, sa líonra Gaeilge agus go deimhin in aon áit ar fud an oileáin seo. Mar bhall den Rialtas agus mar Aire Stáit, beidh mé ag tapú gach aon deis a fhaighim an teanga a úsáid agus a chur chun cinn aon slí ar féidir liom. Tá spriocanna dúshlánacha sa chlár Rialtais ach creidim go mbeidh an Rialtas seo in ann na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach nó a chur i bhfeidhm. Bhí díospóireacht anseo sa Dáil inné maidir leis an oideachas trí Ghaeilge. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Teachta Ó Snodaigh agus le Sinn Féin as ucht na díospóireachta iontaí sin. Thug an rún seo deis do Theachtaí plé a dhéanamh ar an dul chun cinn suntasach atá déanta sa chóras oideachais le blianta beaga anuas i dtaobh na Gaeilge de.”
“Mar Aire Stáit atá freagrach as forbairt pobail agus carthanachtaí, tuigim an tábhacht leis na heagraíochtaí pobail agus deonacha i bhforbairt na Gaeltachta agus pobail na Gaeilge. Luaigh an tAire, an Teachta Calleary, an phleanáil teanga, agus ar ndóigh is ionann sin agus forbairt pobail trí mheán na teanga. Tá infheistíocht shuntasach á déanamh ag an Rialtas agus tacaíocht ar fáil don phobal ón Roinn, ó Údarás na Gaeltachta agus ó Fhoras na Gaeilge chun an phleanáil teanga a chur i bhfeidhm sa phobal. Tá forbairt ag teacht de réir a chéile ar na bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus na líonraí Gaeilge ar fud na tíre, ag cur dlúis le pobal teanga sna ceantair seo taobh amuigh de na ceantair traidisiúnta Ghaeltachta.”
“Déanaim comhghairdeas le gach aon duine a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht iontach seo. Cosúil le gach duine eile, níl mórán Gaeilge agam, ach tá beagáinín agam. Táim ag foghlaim na teanga agus tá an teanga an-tábhachtach do gach duine, go mór mór sa Dáil agus sa Seanad. Mar a dúirt an tAire, an Teachta Calleary, is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge, beo de bharr go bhfuil pobal teanga againn sna ceantair Ghaeltachta agus in áiteanna eile ar fud na tíre, sna líonraí Gaeilge agus bailte seirbhís Gaeltachta go háirithe. Tá cáil na teanga ar chathair Chorcaí de bharr beocht na gceantar Gaeltachta ina timpeall - Múscraí agus Oileán Chléire i gContae Chorcaí, agus trasna na teorann i gCorca Dhuibhne agus Uíbh Ráthach. Tá na pobail sin ag caomhnú na teanga agus ag roinnt a dtraidisiún agus an cultúr a ghabhann léi leis an gcéad ghlúin eile.”
“It is the quickest, most convenient and most cost-effective way to apply for a passport. I thank the Passport Office and the Passport Office staff for the work they do on our behalf. They have a very good system. A couple tweaks could perhaps be made but we are very well served by them. I will bring back the comments Deputy McGrath made to the Minister, Deputy Harris.”
“It is important to recognise that the Passport Office will continue this engagement to discuss how we can work together to improve the situation and the service for citizens. I will bring back to the Department the Deputy's point regarding digitisation and the email system. In addition, we should all take to our social media channels to urge anyone travelling overseas this year, especially families with young children, to check the validity of their passport before booking travel and to apply online in plenty of time and not wait until the last minute. We are all probably guilty of that as citizens and people. Online passport renewal applications do not require a Garda signature for adults and children. Passport online is the best option for all our citizens.”
“I thank the Deputy again for raising this important issue. As we all know in this Chamber, passports are an important topic for us in our offices, especially as we approach the Easter and summer holidays. I assure Members of the commitment of the passport service and which I think we all agree is an excellent service. It is in an excellent position to deliver the demand forecasted for the rest of the year. Last week alone, 35,000 passports were issued, which is a staggering amount. In the context of the Deputy's comments, the passport service maintains a very close working relationship with An Garda Síochána. It offers guidance to gardaí on the correct completions required for identity and consent forms.”
“The policy on the use of witnesses is currently under review, as part of a general update of passport service policies. The witnessing policy is also being reviewed in the context of the ongoing programme of passport service reform. This reform programme focuses on the future of service delivery by implementing projects that enhance the customer experience while maintaining the integrity of the Irish passport. Elements of the reform programme being rolled out later this year and early next year, will introduce updates to the witnessing process, which will further enhance the service for customers. I will bring back the Deputy's remarks to the Department, because they are valid. All of us here who have experienced passport issues know how frustrating it can be.”
“Passport service staff will call the Garda station up to three times to verify the garda's signature. Where the passport service cannot reach the Garda station after three attempts, there is a system in place whereby the relevant superintendent’s office can be contacted to verify the details. If the passport service is unable to verify the witness after these steps have been taken, a new witnessed form will be requested from the applicant. Deputy McGrath made reference to the 21st century and the passport service is continuously looking at ways to make the application process easier for applicants, including the enhancement of digital services. The Department of Foreign Affairs would welcome the digitisation of the records maintained by An Garda Síochána when witnessing applications.”
“In order to protect the rights of parents or guardians and children, it is important that forms are correctly completed. As I mentioned previously, it is important to note that not all children’s passport applications must be witnessed by a garda. Child online renewal applications can be witnessed by a range of professions. When a garda does witness an application, it is the responsibility of the garda to ensure that the signature is correctly recorded in the logbook, so that when the passport service calls, the signature can be verified. In the limited category of applications that require a garda witness, the passport service calls the relevant Garda station to confirm that the garda recorded the form in the station logbook. There is no requirement for the passport service to speak to the witnessing garda directly.”
“The Deputy raised a very important point that many families are genuinely frustrated and worried, despite their organisational abilities. There are certain passport applications for applicants resident in Ireland that require forms to be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána. These include: all passport applications sent by post; first-time adult online applications and first-time child online applications. The witnessing of these forms is an important element of the identity verification process for the passport service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person presenting to submit the passport application form. In the case of an application for a minor, the witnessing of this form provides evidence that guardians have given their consent for a passport to be issued to the child.”
“The Irish passport has a strong international reputation and currently ranks third in the Henley global passport index, as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 189 countries. As such, the passport service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. Since the introduction of online passport applications in 2017, adults renewing their passports through the Passport Office online are not required to submit a witnessed identity form. Online child renewal applications can be witnessed by members of a wide range of professions, including school teachers, doctors, elected representatives and gardaí. Deputy McGrath raised the issue of the application that was cancelled twice. I will bring that back to the Department.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an ábhar seo a ardú. I thank Deputy McGrath for raising the matter. Like the Deputy I want to pay tribute to the staff in the Passport Office and to acknowledge the work that they do. The passport service is currently experiencing a high level of demand for passports, as citizens prepare for upcoming summer travel. The Department of Foreign Affairs has operational and staffing plans in place and the Passport Office is successfully responding to the current level of demand, and has issued almost 200,000 passports to date this year. Virtually all complete passport applications are being processed within or before advertised turnaround times.”
“We all have a responsibility and duty of care and I hope we can work together to ensure we get the outcome we deserve and all wish to see happen.”
“Last year, my Department provided €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve the dog pounds and dog warden facilities in addition to €2 million provided in 2023. In 2024, funding of €2 million to support resourcing of dog warden services for this year was also announced. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce legislation. My Department also worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to publish a plain-language leaflet informing dog owners of their legal obligations. This leaflet was distributed last year to every dog warden, local authority and veterinary surgery in the country in addition to more than 100 animal welfare charities. I commend Deputy McGreehan on her work.”
“I thank Deputy McGreehan again and I share her view. It is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities, not just for the public but also for their dogs. The Deputy is right; accountability, awareness and human responsibility must work in tandem. In 2024, a major national awareness campaign entitled, "It's not your dog's fault, it's yours", was launched by the Department to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers posed to people and livestock by uncontrolled dogs. My Department intends to launch a similar campaign in the coming weeks to reinforce responsible dog ownership from the perspective of harm to both humans and other animals.”
“She referred to the Cooley Peninsula in her constituency and spoke about the worry of the chase for animals. All of us who have pets and are involved in different parts of agriculture have to be concerned and support the thrust of Deputy McGreehan's Bill and what she is trying to do here. I commend her for bringing this issue to the attention of the House.”
“The group was established in 2024 to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy and legislative matters in regard to all dog control issues. It is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey. It comprises members with a broad range of expertise. It is also important to note that the various issues that have been raised regarding dog control legislation are wide-ranging and complex. They require in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust but are also fit for purpose, can be implemented and will deliver the best outcomes for communities and dogs. Deputy McGreehan has spoken very eloquently about animal welfare and the concerns of farmers in many parts of the country.”
“The ban was introduced in two stages in order to give XL Bully-type dog owners who wished to keep their dogs time to obtain a certificate of exemption. There was a four-month period between October last year and February this year where these owners were able to apply for a certificate of exemption. In total, over 1,700 applications were received by local authorities for exemption certificates. Since 1 February this year, it has been illegal to own an XL Bully-type dog without a certificate of exemption issued by a local authority in which the dog resides. Regarding developing more robust legislation, the Government will continue to support the ongoing discussions that take place at the dog control stakeholder group.”
“In this regard, all legislation and policy in regard to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments will rest with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Discussions are ongoing between my Department and that Department to implement the transfer of functions in a timely manner. In the meantime, I am fully committed, as is the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to progressing work in this area. The Deputy is correct; this is about responsible dog ownership, education and raising awareness. She referenced an advertisement. It is also the case that a pet is not just for Christmas. The recent introduction of a ban on XL Bully type dogs last July, in the interests of public safety following a number of horrific attacks, was a significant measure to enhance the control of dangerous dogs in our communities.”
“Ar an gcéad dul síos, gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an Teachta McGreehan as an rún seo a chur os comhair na Dála. I thank Deputy McGreehan for raising the matter of dog control legislation. I share the Deputy's sentiments. She has very eloquently expressed the concern of many people across our country. As she said, that 88% of hill farmers have had their animals attacked is an extraordinary statistic. When we served in the Seanad last year, the Deputy introduced the Control of Dogs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. As Members will know, the Government did not oppose the Bill on that occasion because all of us are in agreement that more robust dog control legislation is required. As part of the programme for Government, as the Deputy said, the Government has set out how it intends to provide for an enhanced approach to dog control issues.”
“Tá an obair atá ar bun ag an Roinn ar an nGaeilge i scoileanna meán-Bhéarla á treorú ag trí mhórphrionsabal: dearcadh dearfach i leith na Gaeilge a chothú; úsáid na Gaeilge a mhéadú; agus comhtháthú níos fearr a dhéanamh ar bheartais na ngníomhartha, ar struchtúr agus ar acmhainní don Ghaeilge. Tá dearcthaí dearfacha i leith na Gaeilge ríthábhachtach d’fhoghlaim agus d’úsáid an teanga. Is í an príomhchúis le teanga ar bith a fhoghlaim ná í a úsáid. Is é sin bun agus barr an scéil. Is é sin an fáth a bhfuilimid ar fad anseo anocht. Mar fhocal scoir, gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí ar fad as an díospóireacht seo. Tá Gaeilge agam ach chaill mé beagán de. Beidh mé ag foghlaim agus ag cleachtadh. Arís, gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Ó Snodaigh as ucht an rúin agus as an obair atá á déanamh aige chun labhairt na teanga a mhéadú.”
“Má oibrímid ar fad as lámh a chéile sa chomhthéacs seo, is féidir linn a chinntiú go rachaidh earnáil an oideachais lán-Ghaeilge ó neart go neart le linn tréimhse an Rialtais seo. Fáiltím go mór roimh moladh an tAire, an Teachta McEntee, sa leasú atá os bhur gcomhair inniu le tacaíocht a bhuanú chun díriú ar cheist an tsoláthair ach go háirithe. Chomh maith leis an obair seo ar oideachas lán-Ghaeilge agus Gaeltachta, tá ionad nua don Ghaeilge bunaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais chun plean gnímh dhá bhliain a fhorbairt chun tacú le teagasc agus le foghlaim na Gaeilge i scoileanna meán-Bhéarla. Tá sé beartaithe an plean gnímh seo a fhoilsiú in 2025.”
“Mar sin, tá sé i gceist ag oifigigh na Roinne buaileadh go luath le páirtithe leasmhara chun breathnú ar bheartaithe breise a d’fhéadfaí a chur sa tsiúil chun tacú tuilleadh le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ar leibhéal an teaghlaigh. Tá neart forbairtí ar bun ag mo Roinn féin, mar a luadh, ach tá forbairtí as cuimse ar siúl ag an Roinn Oideachais faoi láthair ó thaobh pholasaí don Ghaeilge de. Tá obair á cur chun cinn ag an Roinn anois chun polasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt. Leagfaidh an Roinn amach spriocanna uaillmhianacha sa pholasaí seo maidir le soláthar an oideachais lán-Ghaeilge agus aithneofar gníomhartha ann chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh i dtreo na spriocanna sin.”
“Baintear leas as an gciste seo chun clár leathan tacaíochtaí praiticiúla a chur ar fáil atá dírithe ar theaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó ar mhian leo é sin a dhéanamh. Comhthreomhar leis an gciste sin, tá ciste faoi leith arb fhiú €3.7 milliún é i leith na tréimhse 2023 go dtí 2027 ar fáil don eagraíocht Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta chun tacú tuilleadh le soláthar seirbhísí sa réimse luathbhlianta sa Ghaeltacht. Tuigeann mo Roinn an tábhacht faoi leith a bhaineann le tuilleadh tacaíochta fós ar mhaithe le cur chun cinn na teanga ar bhonn teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht agus, go deimhin, sna bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus sna líonraí Gaeltachta.”
“Cuireadh tús le scéim na scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta in 2019, tráth go raibh 400 scoláireachtaí ar fáil faoin scéim. Faoin gciste breise atá ceadaithe, beidh os cionn 800 scoláire in aghaidh na bliana as iarbhunscoileanna DEIS ar fud na tíre in ann tairbhe a bhaint as tréimhse foghlamtha sa Ghaeltacht. Tá iarrtha ag Sinn Féin ar an Rialtas scéim labhairt na Gaeilge a thabhairt ar ais freisin. Mar a cuireadh in iúl go minic roimhe seo, tá infheistíocht i bhfad níos suntasaí á déanamh ag mo Roinn chun tacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta ná mar a bhí faoi scéim labhairt na Gaeilge. Ba mhaith liom léargas a thabhairt ar roinnt de na gníomhartha atá i gceist leis seo. Tá cistíocht shuntasach á cur ar fáil don eagraíocht Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta arb fhiú breis agus €5 milliún é thar tréimhse trí bliana.”
“Ar mhaithe le cabhrú tuilleadh le hearnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge, fógraíodh i mí Bealtaine 2024 go mbeadh ardú ar an deontas laethúil chun lóistín a sholáthar. Tá ardú €1 tagtha ar an deontas a thugtar de ghnáth do theaghlaigh atá aitheanta faoin scéim agus tá ardú €2.50 tagtha ar an deontas a bhí á íoc leis na brúnna agus na scoileanna cónaithe. Fágann na beartais faoi leith sin go mbeidh níos mó ná €6 mhilliún á infheistiú ag mo Roinn go bliantúil san earnáil faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta. Ó thaobh na scoláireachtaí Gaeilge, ceadaíodh ciste €900,000 chun leathnú suntasach a dhéanamh ar an gciste scoláireachta do scoláirí iarbhunscoileanna DEIS chun freastal ar chúrsaí Gaeilge le linn shamhradh 2025.”
“Tá taighde longitudinal á chur i gcrích i láthair na huaire a bheadh mar bhonn eolais don pholasaí nua agus tá oifigigh na Roinne i mbun plé leis na scoileanna le roinnt míonna anuas chun tús a chur leis an gcur chuige cuí. Maidir leis na tacaíochtaí a thugann mo Roinn féin agus an tAire, an Teachta Calleary, do na cúrsaí oideachais sa Ghaeltacht, ba mhaith liom tagairt a dhéanamh ar dtús do scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge. Cuireann an scéim deiseanna breise sealbhú teanga agus saibhriú cultúrtha ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht d'fhoghlaimeoirí lasmuigh den chóras oideachais. Cuireann sé seo go mór leis an méid atá ar siúl sa chóras oideachais. Léiríonn figiúirí na Roinne gur ghlac 27,394 fhoghlaimeoir páirt i gcúrsaí i gcoláistí Gaeilge faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge in 2024.”
“D'éirigh thar cionn leis an gcur chuige seo i gcás fhormhór na scoileanna, agus maidir leis na scoileanna eile, níl an deireadh sroicthe fós. Tá an Rialtas seo lánsásta leanúint ar aghaidh ag tacú leo na critéir éagsúla a bhaint amach. Luadh freisin i rún Shinn Féin go raibh an polasaí don oideachas Gaeltachta imithe ina aghaidh gan fhorbairt, rud nach bhfuil fíor ach an oiread. Cuireadh síneadh go 2024 leis an scéim aitheantais don oideachas Gaeltachta de bharr moille mar thoradh ar Covid-19. Maidir leis na chéad chéimeanna eile don oideachas Gaeltachta, tá obair tosaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais i dtreo polasaí nua a fhorbairt.”
“Bhí aistear éagsúil ag gach scoil sa scéim chun na critéir a bhí leagtha amach a chomhlíonadh agus aistear níos faide le déanamh ag scoileanna áirithe ná a chéile. Cé nár bhain na scoileanna atá i gceist stádas oifigiúil amach go fóill, de réir tuairiscí na cigireachta de, tá dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ag gach uile scoil chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn, timpeallacht Ghaelach a chruthú do scoláirí agus tacú leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga. Tá ardmholadh ag dul do na scoileanna uilig agus do na pobail as na hiarrachtaí atá déanta acu. D'aithnigh an Roinn Oideachais ó thús an pholasaí go mbeadh sé fíorthábhachtach cur chuige spreagúil agus tacúil a chur i bhfeidhm agus í ag plé le scoilphobal na Gaeltachta.”
“Tagraím ar ais don mhéid a d'inis an tAire, an Teachta McEntee, dúinn ag tús na díospóireachta seo faoin éacht atá déanta ag scoileanna Gaeltachta na tíre seo mar thoradh ar an scéim aitheantais scoileanna Gaeltachta. Ba mhaith liom tréaslú go mór leis na scoileanna sin. Ba mhaith liom cur i gcoinne rud amháin atá ráite ag Sinn Féin ina rún agus é ag trácht ar na scoileanna Gaeltachta áirithe atá ag glacadh páirte sa scéim sin. Tugann Sinn Féin le fios ina rún gur theip ar aon thrian d'iarbhunscoileanna sa scéim aitheantais scoileanna Gaeltachta stádas a bhaint amach mar scoil Ghaeltachta. Bhí an-díomá orm an fhoclaíocht mhaslach sin a léamh. Ní thugann sé aitheantas dá laghad don sárobair atá déanta agus atá á déanamh sna scoileanna sin.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Ó Snodaigh as an rún seo a chur os comhair an Tí. Cosúil leis an Teachta Tóibín, ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón mar gheall ar bhás athair an Teachta Uí Snodaigh a chur in iúl. Fear uasal a bhí ann. Ar mo shon féin agus ar son an Rialtais, dá chlann agus dó féin, tá brón mór orainn. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le Sinn Féin as an rún seo a thabhairt os ár gcomhair, rud a thugann deis dúinn plé a dhéanamh ar an dul chun cinn suntasach atá déanta sa chóras oideachais le blianta beaga anuas i dtaobh na Gaeilge de. Aithním go bhfuil tuilleadh dul chun cinn le déanamh sa réimse seo agus go bhfuil dúshlán os ár gcomhair, ach caithfear a admháil go bhfuil an-chuid bainte amach againn ar cheart a aithint agus a cheiliúradh.”
“Tairgim leasú Uimh. 1: Go scriosfar na focail go léir tar éis "Dáil Éireann" agus go gcuirfear an méid seo a leanas ina n-ionad: "a thabhairt dá haire go bhfuil an Rialtas tiomanta do chosaint agus do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge, agus go bhfuil geallta ag an Rialtas deiseanna a leathnú do scoláirí freastal ar Ghaelscoileanna agus ar Ghaelcholáistí; go n-aithníonn sí: — go raibh tionchar dearfach suntasach buan ag an bPolasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta ar scoileanna agus ar phobail Ghaeltachta, rud a d'fhág go bhfuil méadú tagtha ar úsáid na Gaeilge labhartha i scoileanna Gaeltachta agus athnuachan ar mhórtas pobail sa teanga; — go bhfuil €405 milliún infheistithe ag an Rialtas ar thograí caipitil i scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge agus Gaeltachta ó 2020 go 2024; — go bhfuil infheistíocht shuntasach bhreise déanta ag an Rialtas sa Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais ag an mbunleibhéal agus ag an iar-bhunleibhéal, lena n-áirítear sna réimsí a bhaineann le hathchóiriú curaclaim, soláthar tacaíochtaí foghlama gairmiúla do mhúinteoirí, agus oiliúint tosaigh múinteoirí; — a bhuí leis an maoiniú méadaithe atá curtha ar fáil ag an Rialtas, go bhfuil an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) in ann tacaíocht luachmhar a chur ar fáil do scoileanna, lena n-áirítear acmhainní nuálacha, tarraingteacha teagaisc agus foghlama a fhorbairt don Ghaeilge agus trí Ghaeilge, agus mol digiteach d'acmhainní Gaeilge; — go bhfuil rannán ar leith – an GaelAonad – bunaithe in Oide chun tacaíocht foghlama ghairmiúil a chur ar fáil maidir le múineadh na Gaeilge agus teagasc trí Ghaeilge, rud a rachaidh go mór chun sochair do mhúinteoirí agus do cheannairí scoile sa réimse seo; — gur aithníodh san athbhreithniú a críochnaíodh le déanaí ar Scéim Iompair Scoile na Roinne Oideachais go dtacaíonn agus go n-éascaíonn an scéim rochtain do pháistí ar an suíomh oideachais lán-Ghaeilge is gaire dóibh; — trí thionscadail ar nós an Tionscadail um Fhoghlaim Chomhtháite Ábhar agus Foghlama (FCÁT) agus Gaelbhratach, go bhfuil deiseanna méadaithe ag na mílte daltaí agus scoláirí ar fud na tíre dul i ngleic leis an nGaeilge ar bhealach comhtháite i rith an lae scoile; — toisc go bhfuil an Ghaeilge ina croí-ábhar do dhaltaí agus do scoláirí i mbunscoileanna agus in iar-bhunscoileanna, go gcinntítear go mbíonn deis ag gach páiste agus duine óg dul i ngleic leis an teanga mar chuid dá n-oideachas; agus — gur thug beagnach 1.9 milliún duine le fios sa daonáireamh is déanaí go raibh siad in ann Gaeilge a labhairt, méadú 6% ón daonáireamh roimhe sin; agus go n-iarrann sí ar an Rialtas: — plean náisiúnta do sholáthar na Gaeilge i bhfoghlaim agus cúram na luath-luath-óige agus i gcúram leanaí d'aois scoile a fhoilsiú; — plean gnímh don Ghaeilge i scoileanna meán-Béarla a fhoilsiú; — comhairliúchán a reáchtáil chun bonn eolais a chur faoi fhorbairt an chéad leagan eile den Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta; — a chinntiú go nglacfar cur chuige comhtháite agus nuálach chun tacú le pobail Ghaeltachta lena n-áirítear soláthar oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge i mBailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta; — polasaí don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhoilsiú; — tascfhórsa a bhunú a mbeidh sé de chúram air contanam soláthair don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge a dhearadh agus múnlaí an tsoláthair a bhfuil ann a athshamhlú; — a chinntiú go dtarlóidh an fás atá beartaithe san oideachas lán-Ghaeilge ar bhealach atá ailínithe go hiomlán le riachtanais fhoriomlána an chórais scoile agus na scoláirí a bhfreastalaíonn sé orthu, lena n-áirítear Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais, cleachtas ardchaighdeáin i dteagasc na Gaeilge i ngach suíomh scoile, agus cur chuige lán-ionchuimsitheach i leith theagasc na Gaeilge; — polasaí comhtháite don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais a fhoilsiú, ag cur san áireamh na polasaithe don oideachas Gaeltachta, don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge agus do mhúineadh na Gaeilge i scoileanna meán-Bhéarla; — suirbhé rogha tuismitheoirí a dhéanamh chun éileamh ar bhunoideachas lán-Ghaeilge a aithint; — tacú le hiar-bhunscoileanna múinteoirí a roinnt le haghaidh múineadh na Gaeilge agus le haghaidh ábhair a mhúineadh trí mheán na Gaeilge; — oibriú i dtreo cur le líon na gclár Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí atá ar fáil trí Ghaeilge; — tús áite a thabhairt d'athfhorbairt thrialacha caighdeánaithe Gaeilge Dhroim Conrach do scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge agus do scoileanna meán-Bhéarla; agus — leanúint le maoiniú a chur ar fáil do COGG chun forbairt bhreise acmhainní Gaeilge a éascú, lena n-áirítear acmhainní chun tacú le múineadh na Gaeilge i scoileanna meán-Bhéarla.".”