There are some cynics who would respectfully suggest that it is lessons in English, and not other languages, that are required by some of our less eloquent politicians, writes Miriam Donohoe
But TDs are to be given special classes in Irish and French as part of a move to brush up on their language skills.
The idea has come from Fianna Fáil backbenchers, who may soon find themselves shouting "Non" or "Níl" at Government Ministers when they are protesting at tough Cabinet decisions at parliamentary party meetings.
The Government Chief Whip, Ms Mary Hanafin, confirmed last night that Irish and French classes will be under way for backbenchers in the new year.
She is to also meet the whips of the other main parties to see if the interest in learning Irish and French extends across all parties.
Ms Hanafin said she had been approached by a number of Fianna Fáil deputies who are interested in improving their Irish and French.
French, she said, was becoming more important with the Convention on the Future of Europe and enlargement of the EU.
And while most TDs had some Irish, many are keen to improve their skills in the first national language.
Ms Hanafin revealed that there are some excellent French speakers in the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, including Brian Lenihan and Pat Carey.
She denied that the interest in French had anything to do with the 2004 European elections, when TDs may cast their eyes on a lucrative Euro seat.