A Dáil vote on proposed legislation which would change the way Gaeltacht areas are administered has been postponed until next week.
A vote had been due to take place today, however Fianna Fáil's Eamon Ó Cuív challenged that and sought more time to debate the Bill next week.
Earlier opposition TDs had voiced concern at proposed legislation, part of which will change the function and administration of the authority that manages Irish language-speaking areas, Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The Minister of State at the Department of the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley, said that the need for change is critical as only one in four people in Gaeltacht areas are currently speaking Irish on a daily basis.
He said if it continues, the language will be in serious trouble.
He said there is an urgent need to address this problem, and this Bill will have serious implications for Gaeltacht areas in the country in years ahead.
He said there will be a “new” Údarás na Gaeltachta, whose wider remit will to save the language.
The Gaeltacht Bill 2012 would see the number of members on the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta reduced from 20 to 12.
Under the proposals the Cork, Waterford and Meath Gaeltachts would not be entitled to a permanent member on the board.
However Mr Ó Cuív said the people who would be making the decisions on the Irish language, if this Bill goes ahead, may not have an interest in the language.
He also disagreed with the Government's plan for Foras na Gaeilge, and said you cannot give responsibility for language planning to an organisation that you do not have control over.
Mr Ó Cuív said the Irish language 20-year strategy plan has to remain within this State, as you have no control over on what the Northern Ireland authorities will do.
Sinn Féin's Peadar Tóibín said this could be the last chance to save the Gaeltacht and politicians had a responsibility to do it right.
Mr Tóibín said the Government should not put a guillotine on the debate and a comprehensive debate should be allowed.
