THE Republic's new minister for arts heritage and the Gaeltacht has defended her level of Irish, following reports that neither she nor minister of state with responsibility for Gaeltacht Affairs Joe McHugh are fluent Irish speakers.
Speaking in Howth yesterday afternoon, Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys said the protection and use of the Irish language would be a priority for her.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said she had learned Irish to Leaving Certificate standard but that because she did not use the language "she lost it".
Ms Humphreys, who was first elected in 2011 said she believed she would be able to represent a huge group of people who "would love to have the confidence to speak the Irish". She said she was prepared to "brush up on her Irish".
On Tuesday, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mr McHugh had booked in for a refresher course at Oideas Gael in Glencolmcoille, Co Donegal. Several Irish language organisations have said they will not use English as a working language with ministers in the Department of the Gaeltacht.
These include Oireachtas na Gaeilge, Gaelscoileanna and Glór na nGael.
? Editorial ? P18