The Irish Language in General Practice in the Donegal Gaeltacht

Aims Irish (Gaeilge) has been in significant decline for many years. 1 This study sought to analyse patients’ opinion regarding the availability and use of the Irish language in general practices in the Donegal Gaeltacht. (N=100) Methods Questionnaires were provided by receptionist staff to consecutive adult patients attending three medical practices over a period of two weeks. Results Forty-six patients out of 100 surveyed were fluent native Irish speakers. Of these 46; 37 (80%) use Irish with general-practice staff, and 26 (57%) say Irish is their preferred language to discuss their health. The majority of patients (53%) do not know whether there are enough health services available in Irish. Conclusion The majority of native speakers prefer to use Irish when discussing their health. Many of these do not have access to Irish-speaking medical professionals. There is a lack of awareness among patients regarding services that are available. Potential improvement strategies could include interpretation services, language modules for healthcare professionals who wish to work in the Gaeltacht, the encouragement of healthcare professionals fluent in Irish to work in the Gaeltacht, and improved awareness of Irish language health services that exist already.