I don't think Irish should be a requirement. Spanish is the primary language in Spain; German is the primary language in Germany. Irish is what in Ireland? A language that’s forced upon primary and secondary school students and that’s not used in most parts of Ireland. Would be very unfair I think as it would rule out a lot of good pilots from entering Aer Lingus. Saying Irish is the same as Spanish or German just isn’t right.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for our national language, I just don't think it should be forced upon people to learn.
Just my thoughts (and no I can't put two words together in Irish, but I can fly a plane...).