A LANGUAGE FOR IRELAND

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1932, Page 9

A LANGUAGE FOR IRELAND

DONG EFFORTS A FAILURE. London, Aug. 2. In spite of 10 years’ work the attempt to revive Gaelic as Ireland’s national language so far has failed. “If we want to make it the language of tho Free State we must hurry up,” declared Mr. Derrig, Minister of Educaat the Cork Industrial Fair. “Only 3 per cent, of the children of the primary schools are learning two or more subjects in Gaelic.” Half the schools, added Mr. Derrig, did not even do the r a,in work in Gaelic. Only the people’s co-operation would ensure its revival. Irish must be spoken everywhere—in the public administration, shops, churches' and, above all, in the homes. Lord Ashbourne, speaking both in Gaelic and English, urged that Gaelic must dominate the whole country, and be above parties and boundaries. That was the only way to make Ireland really Irish, he said.