Beatha Teanga í a labhairt - The Life of a Language is to Speak It

In the first of a special podcast series celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge (March 1–17, 2026), Dara Calleary TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht joins Deputy John Connolly to discuss the importance of the Irish language in everyday life.   With many Irish speakers across the party, the conversation celebrates the language not just during Seachtain na Gaeilge, but all year round.   The discussion explores how so many people in Ireland already have some level of Irish, yet often lack the confidence to use it in everyday life.    As Minister Calleary explains, supporting and encouraging people to speak the Irish they already have is key to keeping the language alive.   The both talk about their experience and connection to the language and the party in Government's recognition of the importance of sustaining thriving Gaeltacht and island communities .   From confidence and culture to leadership and policy, this conversation highlights why Irish is not just something for one week in March,  it’s a living part of who we are.    Fianna Fáil has always viewed the Irish Language as an invaluable cultural asset and we will continue to actively support Gaeilge as a vibrant, living language of the people and an integral part of our national life.