A revival of interest in the Irish language in modern society is not being met with the State backing it deserves, according to the president of Conradh na Gaeilge, Mr Tomas Mac Ruairi.
He was speaking at its ardfheis in Castlebar, Co Mayo, at the weekend.
The public also has a duty to become more involved in saving this vital part of our heritage and it was evident that the people were embracing this new challenge, he said.
"Coming together to speak Irish on a few occasions a year is not enough. We must do more. No scheme will succeed if the push is only coming from the top. There is no point in us working on one level and the Government and business community working on a different level.
"Bord Failte, for example, when they deal with Ireland only as an English-speaking country, they are not promoting the real Ireland." Mr Mac Ruairi said it was essential for promotional bodies to work together on a co-operative plan which would guarantee a future for the language. He welcomed the Partnership for Government programme which, under the Belfast Agreement, is set to feature a cross-Border body for Irish.
"Conradh na Gaeilge, which has 6,000 members in 235 branches, should have direct representation on this body.