More Dáil Irish sought

The State's politicians have been urged to use the Irish language a little more during debates in the Dáil and Seanad.

The State's politicians have been urged to use the Irish language a little more during debates in the Dáil and Seanad.

The call has come from Irish Language Commissioner Seán Ó Cuirreáin on the eve of the new Oireachtas term.

In a letter to all 226 representatives, he has appealed for more use of the first official language.

Currently, fewer than 1 per cent of all Oireachtas debates are held through Irish, even though simultaneous translation is provided and Mr Ó Cuirreáin reminds members they have the right to use either language in any debate.