A national survey conducted in November-December 1983, similar to one in 1973, investigated attitudes toward, competence in, and use of Irish among adults in Ireland. Of the 1,131 individuals interviewed, all aged 18 or over, about 420 were under age 30. The report summarizes preliminary results. The first section reports general attitudes toward Irish as an ethnic symbol, Irish usage and instruction in the schools, use of Irish in interpersonal interactions, attitudes toward the Gaeltacht (areas in Ireland where Irish is the primary language), and beliefs about the viability of the language and its relevance in modern life. In the second section, respondents' evaluations of their own ability to speak Irish, and that of other family members, are summarized. The third section presents data on respondents' use of Irish in conversation, in writing, at home, at work, and in watching television. Section four reports on attitudes toward Irish language policies, including anticipated feelings if Gaeltacht disappears, priorities for Irish language policy, the school program preferred for most children, support for Irish entrance requirements for postsecondary education, and views of policies concerning Irish in the media, public administration, and support for voluntary language groups. The final section presents statements from the 1973 survey, followed by a summary of findings of the 1983 survey. (MSE)