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Keaveney's cupla focail with Bishop 19.05.08

INISHOWEN Senator Cecilia Keaveney has given the thumbs up to comedian Des Bishop's campaign to get more Irish people speaking Irish.
Keaveney met Bishop last week during his visit to meet politicians at Leinster House following his 'In the Name of the Fada' series for RTE.
"Last week I returned to French classes and, despite the fact that it is over 20 years since I learned French, I was able to get by for over an hour with virtually no English spoken. I am not sure that I could do the same in my own national language," said Senator Keaveney.
She said the Irish-American comedian had some good ideas about making Irish more accessible.
"As Des Bishop said today, he is fluent in Irish. That may not be perfect Irish grammatically but he can be easily understood and can hold a 
Senator Cecilia Keaveney with comedian Des Bishop.
conversation. He cannot write Irish well at all, he says.
"However, his ability to speak and communicate is surely the point we want to get for all within our communities."
She said purists might not like the idea of "sacrificing grammar or linguistic perfection" but she said it was worse to let the native language disappear altogether.
"The point also raised by Des Bishop - that there could be a separate subject that would be Irish literature - which would support those who wish to deepen their understanding of the language, is very worthy of debate.
"He has given the language a great lift. His programmes have helped make more trendy, the speaking of Irish. Schools are working at this obviously too. However, we need to ensure that as new methods come on stream that we look to best practice and follow them, with the support in terms of policy, guidance and training for our teachers."
Meanwhile, the former music teacher said she looked forward to hearing the new Minister for Education, Batt O Keefe, T.D. speak on the language issue. "Meantime, I commend the new Taoiseach on his prioritising of Irish and the wider Irish culture in all of his initial speeches."
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