DOZENS of organisations and hundreds of people have signed a petition calling on the Government to press for full official status for Irish in the EU, according to Comhdhail Naisiunta na Gaeilge.
The signatories include the president of University College, Dublin, Dr Art Cosgrove, and the chairman of Limerick University, Dr John Daly; Senators G.V. Wright and Feargal Quinn; filmmaker, Eamon de Buitleir; singer Liam O Maonlai; broadcaster and songwriter Shay Healy; and the executive director of Greenpeace Ireland, Ms Clare O'Grady Walsh.
TDs who have signed include Fianna Fail deputies Mr Noel Treacy, Mr Joe Jacob and Mr Eamon O Cuiv.
Cork Corporation and county councils in Kildare, Roscommon and Fingal (north Dublin) have also supported the initiative, as have the GAA, the Irish Film Centre and the Ultaeh Trust.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Sean Dublin Bay Loftus, signed the petition in the Mansion House yesterday to mark Europe Day.
Irish does not have full official status in the EU, although treaty documents are translated into Irish. The Comhdhail has urged the Government to press the issue at the inter governmental conferences this year.
There was no secrecy about the items not charged for. For example, when they moved into the offices on Arran Quay they were "a shell", and had to be furnished, and blinds, partitions and a kitchen put in. This expense was incurred and was not being claimed.
The most significant part of the expenses incurred and not being claimed were those of employees who gave evidence.
Senior members of the management team had to be in Dublin for the two years' duration of the tribunal. As well as their salaries and expenses they could have been engaged in more productive business. That was as far as he was prepared to go, he said.
Mr Flynn rejected Mr Fitzpatrick's application. The hearing continues today.