THERE WAS unanimous support yesterday from political parties in the Dáil for Seán Ó Cuirreáin’s appointment as Coimisinéir Teanga (Irish Language Commissioner) for a second term of six years.
However, Sinn Féin and Labour criticised the Government motion that his reappointment be accepted by the House without any debate.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin of Sinn Féin said the motion presented a an ideal opportunity to debate the status of the language.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore also agreed but said it would be better if the reports of the coimisinéir were debated, as they contained very interesting recommendations.
Mr Ó Cuirreáin was the first appointment to the post when it was created in 2004 after the passing of the Official Languages Act.
It is an independent role and includes monitoring compliance by public bodies with the Act, and providing advice to the public regarding their language rights. He also has powers to investigate complaints against public bodies.
In the latest annual report for 2008, Mr Ó Cuirreáin found that six government departments and a further six State agencies were found to have breached legislation aimed at protecting and promoting the Irish language.
He also said that some 600 complaints had been made to him in the course of the year.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said yesterday that an Oireachtas committee would debate the the 20-year strategy for Irish and would also discuss the reappointment.
The Act provides that the Coimisinéir Teanga is appointed by the President of Ireland Mary McAleese on the advice of the Government following a resolution passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas recommending the appointment.
