Gaeltacht minister Joe McHugh takes Irish language lessons

Joe McHugh has signed up for an Irish language refresher course in his home county of Donegal, after concerns were raised about his appointment

A new government minister responsible for Irish-speaking regions is taking Irish lessons, following concerns that he is not fluent in the language.

Joe McHugh has just been appointed an Irish minister of state with special responsibility for the affairs of the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking areas).

The main opposition party described his appointment as "shocking".

The prime minister said Mr McHugh's Irish skills "may be a bit rusty" but added he was taking a refresher course.

The new appointment is a junior ministerial role within the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which is led by its senior minister Heather Humphreys.

It followed a reshuffle of government ministers announced by Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny last week.

'Slap in the face'

However, the prime minister was challenged over Mr McHugh's appointment by Eamon Ó Cuív - an opposition politician who was minister for Gaeltacht affairs from 2002 to 2010.

Mr Ó Cuív said Mr McHugh's selection was a "slap in the face" for Gaeltacht communities and claimed his appointment showed the government's disregard for the Irish language.

Speaking in the Irish parliament on Tuesday, Mr Ó Cuív called on the prime minister to rectify what he described as a "significant error".

Mr Kenny responded by saying the new minister was an example of someone whose Irish "may be a bit rusty" and who was "getting back into action and getting it up to standard".

He added that Mr McHugh would be comfortable dealing with Mr Ó Cuív when they were interviewed on Irish language TV and radio stations.

'Wrong direction'

However, campaign groups that work to promote the Irish language have also expressed concerns over Mr McHugh's new role.

Conradh na Gaeilge (The Gaelic League) said Mr Kenny had effectively reduced the status of the language, by not selecting a minister of state that could communicate with Irish speakers in their own language.

The group's general secretary, Julian De Spáinn, told Irish broadcaster RTÉ that it was a "step in the wrong direction" that neither of the ministers with responsibility for language policy was a fluent Irish speaker.

However, he said Mr McHugh's support for the language was not an issue and he would work with both ministers.

Mr McHugh, who celebrates his 43rd birthday on Wednesday, represents the Donegal constituency in the Irish parliament.

The former teacher holds an honours degree in economics and sociology. He taught geography, maths and economics before entering politics.