THE Culture Minister has opened a seminar, which is part of her Department’s consultation process on the draft strategy for protecting and enhancing the development of the Irish Language.
The consultation on the Irish language began on 11 July and concludes on 27 November. Giving the opening address at the seminar, Carál Ní Chuilín said: “The Irish language is a valuable part of our shared cultural heritage. The draft strategy recognises the importance of the language and follows on from the commitments given following the 2006 St Andrew’s Agreement, which resulted in the 1998 NI Act being amended.
“The strategy also takes account of what is required from the Programme for Government 2011-2015, which contains the development of an Irish language strategy as a key building block as part of building a strong and shared community.
“Is cuid luachmhar dár n-oidhreacht chultúrtha chomhroinnte í an Ghaeilge. Aithnítear sa dréachtstraitéis tábhacht na teanga agus leantar ar aghaidh ó na tiomantais a tugadh i ndiaidh Chomhaontú Chill Rimhinn, ar toradh dóibh leasú Acht TÉ 1998.
“Cuirtear san áireamh sa straitéis fosta an méid atá de dhíth ó Chlár Rialtais 2011-2015 ina bhfuil forbairt na Gaeilge ina chroíbhloc tógála maidir le pobal láidir comhroinnte a chothú.”
Outlining the aim of the strategy, the Minister said: “The purpose of the strategy is to make the Irish language more accessible, to promote Irish in a positive and progressive way and, in doing so, breaking down barriers and negative preconceptions affecting the language. I am encouraged that through my Líofa campaign, the inherent inclusiveness, richness and empowerment of the Irish language is now being widely embraced by citizens from every background and every walk of life.
“Is é feidhm na straitéise an Ghaeilge bheith níos inrochtaine, an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ar dhóigh dhearfach, dheimhneach agus chuige sin, constaicí agus réamhthuairimí a bhaineann leis an teanga a chealú. Tá mé sásta go bhfuil glacadh, trí fheachtas Líofa s’agam, le cuimsitheacht, saibhreas agus cumas inmheánach na Gaeilge ag saoránaigh as gach cineál cúlra, aicme agus slí bheatha.”
Elizabeth McAtear from Scotland’s Bord na Gaidhlig, Iwan Evans from the Welsh Government and Dónall Ó Baoill from Queen’s University are the three guest speakers at the event which was facilitated by Pobal,the umbrella organisation for the Irish Language community. Thanking them for their contribution, the Minister said: “These people are experts in the field of language development who will add to our knowledge of how the Welsh, Scots Gaelic and Irish language have been developed and implemented in Scotland, Wales and in the south. We can learn from their experiences and make our own strategy stronger.
“Is saineolaithe i réimse na forbartha teanga na daoine seo a chuirfidh lenár gcuid eolais ar an dóigh ar forbraíodh agus ar cuireadh chun cinn an Bhreatnais, an Ghaidhilg agus an Ghaeilge sa Bhreatain Bheag, in Albain agus i ndeisceart na tíre. Tig linn a lán a fhoghlaim óna dtaithí agus ár straitéis féin a dhaingniú dá réir.” Notes for editors:
The Irish language strategy consultation continues until 27 November 2012. It is available online at:
The Programme for Government 2011-2015 is available online at:
http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/pfg-2011-2015-final-report.pdf
