Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil on Wednesday (May 1), Independent TD Matt Shanahan asked for a review of Údarás na Gaeltachta, whose main objective is to “foster enterprise development and employment and support Gaeltacht communities”.

Deputy Shanahan said that the organisation had paid out €50m since 2019, but none of those funds went to Gaeltacht na nDéise, which according to Deputy Shanahan has also lost a GP practice, a Garda Station, and now a Post Office since the Government came into power in 2020.

“Despite all the ruminating in this House about protecting our Irish language, having enlisted as an official EU working language, mandatory publishing and broadcasting As Gaeilge, the Government supports required to protect Ár dteanga (our language) are not in evidence.

Less talk and more action is required Taoiseach and I ask you to review the Charter of both Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Post in terms of their responsibilities to support the community services in our Gaeltachts, but especially Gaeltacht na nDéise.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris thanked Deputy Shanahan for raising the issue saying that upon taking up office he had a “very good meeting with a number of Irish Language Groups.”

“There is a real need to do a lot more in this space and I think your two constructive suggestions are ones I’m happy to take away and get back to you,” Taoiseach Harris said.