Twenty-one apply for Irish language commissioner role

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.

Seán Ó Cuirreáin will resign from his post as An Coimisinéir Teanga on February 23, two years ahead of schedule. He announced his decision in December and told an Oireachtas committee last month there was no more he could do for the language rights of Irish speakers and Gaeltacht communities.

Dinny McGinley, minister with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, advertised for expressions of interest in the role last month via the Public Appointments Service, which received 21 applications by the January 30 deadline.