Imperative that we support our language

I, like many thousands, took part in the “La Mór na Gaeilge” rally recently and the majority of the protesters were young people, particularly students of Gaelcholáistí. A large number of participants came from all parts of Ireland.

As the father of four children attending a Gaelcholáiste in West Dublin, it is imperative that the Government clearly states its honest intentions with regard to the future of the Irish language.

Funding for Irish-language bodies and Gaeltacht regions have been drastically reduced in every budget since the onset of the economic crisis.

These cuts have had a detrimental effect on the cultural, artistic and educational communities of Ireland.

May I through the medium of your esteemed newspaper urge the people to make the Irish language a big issue in the run-up to the May elections?

Paul Doran

Clondalkin

Dublin 22