It is indeed. For example the main opposition party just appointed someone as their spokesperson for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht (including Irish language) affairs who doesn't even speak Irish The problem is that the vast majority of people will never speak a word of Irish outside of school so it's hard to develop your ability. Also many of the principal promoters of the language come across as having a holier than thou attitude which does Irish no favours.

The fact that it is compulsory also seems to cause a build up of resentment in a lot of people who dislike the fact that they are forced to learn it when they are never going to use it.



Yup, once you enter formal education (at age four or five) you are thought both English and Irish




Perhaps, but my experience of trying to use my French in Paris once fairly much put me off. I still use it when I go on holidays and I generally have good enough French to ask for stuff in a shop or restaurant but I wouldn't be up to holding a full conversation.