Sir, Mr Tom Harper (February 5th) says, using TAM figures, that only about two per cent of viewers watch Irish language programmes on RTE television. And he argues from this figure against the setting up of Telefis na Gaeilge.
Quite independent of TAM ratings, the state has a duty to preserve and promote the Irish language. This has been clearly acknowledged from the foundation of the state, most concretely by having departments of the Gaeltacht. The present Government correctly sees that an Irish television channel is what is required at this particular time.
We are living in a time of a new, vibrant nationalism benign, one hopes that has surfaced in many European countries. It is all the more remarkable, therefore, that in this country the new Irish language television service should be subjected to a persistent trickle of criticism. Yours, etc..
Claremont Villas, Glenageary, Co Dublin.