merrion street

The Coimisinéir Teanga, Mr Seán Ó Cuirreáin, informed me today (4 December 2013) that he will retire from his post in February of next year, after ten years as Coimisinéir Teanga.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Coimisinéir Teanga and to pay tribute to him on his achievements during that time. As the first Coimisinéir Teanga, he established his office with a sense of vision and purpose, and the high esteem in which he is held by the Irish language and Gaeltacht community is well earned. There is no doubt but that he has demonstrated vision, purpose and professionalism in the post from the first day of his appointment.

I regret, of course, that An Coimisinéir has decided not to complete his term of appointment – which extends to April 2016.

I extend every good wish to him and his family in the future.