DONEGAL North East T.D.,
Joe McHugh (43) is celebrating his promotion to
Junior Minister at the Department of the Gaeltacht -
but he first has to brush up on the native tongue.
Carrigart-based Minister McHugh's elevation got off
to a controversial start yesterday after language
groups criticised the fact that he is not fluent in
the Irish language.
However, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has defended the
appointment, telling the Dáil Deputy McHugh had
booked a refresher course in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
Mr Kenny was responding to questions by Fianna Fáil
TD Eamon Ó Cuív.
Mr Ó Cuív praised the new junior minister's
abilities and integrity but described the
appointment as "shocking and disappointing".
He said his selection showed a Government disregard
for Irish and described it as a "slap in the face"
for Gaeltacht communities. He called on Mr Kenny to
rectify his "significant error".
But Mr Kenny insisted Minister McHugh, who takes
over from Deputy Dinny McGinley in the role, would
be able to comfortably deal with Mr Ó Cuív on TG4 or
Raidió na Gaeltachta.
He said the Donegal politician's Irish "may be a bit
rusty" but he was "getting back into action and
getting it up to standard".
Meanwhile Mr McHugh's lack of Irish fluency was also
commented upon by the Irish language commissioner.
An Coimisinéir Teanga Rónán Ó Domhnaill said it
would be "much more preferable" if Mr McHugh was a
fluent Irish speaker.
Mr Ó Domhnaill said there was concern about the way
the minister would be able to communicate with
Gaeltacht communities about their issues and
concerns.
Conradh na Gaeilge said while it would have
preferred fluency in the new minister, it would work
with him and his colleague, senior minister in the
Arts Department, Heather Humphreys who also does not
have fluency in the language.
Meanwhile, Deputy McGinley has announced his
intention to retire at the next general election. |
