More than 20 people have applied to take over the job of Irish language commissioner when the current holder steps down early, blaming Government inaction.

The resignation of An Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, adds to the growing suspicion that there is now an undeclared policy in operation to do away with what’s left of Irish in the public life of our country.

Gardaí are to be instructed on improving their ability to speak a cúpla focal after the Irish language competence of the force was criticised by An Coimisinéir Teanga.

The Irish language has played a central role in shaping our culture.

An investigation has found that eight out of nine gardaí in the Donegal Gaeltacht could not carry out their duties through Irish.

Six government departments and six state agencies are in breach of laws aimed at protecting the Irish language, according to the annual report of An Coimisinéir Teanga.

AN EFFORT by the Irish language ombudsman to establish if a district judge could speak fluent Irish has been blocked by the Government.

THE number of complaints made to the Irish Language Commissioner increased by almost half in 2006, according to his latest annual report.

ONLY a tiny fraction of administrative staff in the Department of Education are capable of providing services through Irish, according to the annual report of An Coimisinéir Teanga (Language Commissioner).

IRISH is at a crossroads judging by yesterday’s report showing that despite spending €500 million a year and countless hours on teaching, most people lack a rudimentary command of the language.