While few can dispute that Irish speakers are engaged in an on-going struggle, it must be said that their efforts, while burdensome on occasion, are not barren. Over the last number of years there have been many positive developments.
In the field of communications, we have seen the foundation of a vibrant bilingual television service, TG4, a weekly newspaper, Foinse, which reflects all shades of political opinion and current thought and a monthly internet magazine, Beo.
In education, the tireless work of teachers and administrators at primary, secondary and third level continues. NUI Galway has drawn up an ambitious plan to develop a university for the Gaeltacht. In the arts, publishers, writers, poets and dramatists continue to make their mark with works which question, enlighten and engage. These are no mean achievements.
That said, none of the delegates at this weekend's gathering, Tóstal na Gaeilge, will need to be reminded that much still needs to be done - at governmental level most especially. For while Irish speakers can point to triumphs in the last five years, the Government may find it much harder.
Tóstal has an innovative objective. The organisers will draft a series of proposals at the end of the conference and present them to each and every political party in the hope that they will be included in their manifestoes. By including all parties, the organisers have signalled their intention to maintain cultural inclusiveness. The language involves all and belongs to no one grouping.
Unquestionably, the absent guest at the Tóstal will be the Government's promised Language Bill which aims to ensure that services through Irish are available from State and semi-state sectors. Many regard this legislation as vital to ensuring the language's future well-being. That the Government has been tardy in the publication of such important legislation is, in itself, disappointing. Should they manage to publish the Bill between now and the general election it will be of some comfort to those in Gaeltacht and language organisations who have been lobbying for it during this term of office.