Fianna Fáil's Éamon Ó Cuív says the fact that the new Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs is not a fluent speaker of the language, is a slap in the face for the thousands of Irish speakers in the country - and particularly for Gaeltacht communities.
The former minister for Gaeltacht Affairs said there's no question that Minister Joe McHugh is a person of talent, decency and integrity.
But he insisted without fluency in Irish, he could not adequately carry out his duties in Gaeltacht Affairs.
Minister Joe McHugh rejected the criticism; he's taking a refresher course in Irish, and said he would not be found wanting.
However Deputy O'Cuiv called on the Taoiseach to rectify the problem immediately.
