Assembly rejects DUP Assembly motion on dual-language street signage, affirming support for current minority rights’ compliant policy
Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, said: “The [Northern Ireland] Assembly rejected attempts by the DUP to undermine that policy, voting against a DUP motion by 41 to 28, affirming their commitment to a minority rights compliant policy based on guidance from the United Nations and other international experts.”
The DUP had challenged the existing minority rights’ policy but were voted down. This position now re-asserts the rights of ethnic minorities across the board. It will have implications for local councils who plan to distribute dual language signs.
Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin added: “Whilst the DUP have attempted to create the illusion of mass, widespread opposition amongst residents across the city, research carried out by Conradh na Gaeilge, examining the data of Belfast City Council surveys, shows that across 536 streets, only 2.9% of residents opposed signs.
“As many contributors added during tonight’s debate, dual-language signage includes both Irish and English, side by side, and is in and of itself a physical demonstration of equality in places shared by various linguistic groups.
“There is nothing to fear from equality, rather, let us celebrate and respect diversity and inclusion.
“We urge members of the Executive to quickly return to their own obligations on the Irish language, to finalise the appointment of an Irish language Commissioner without any further delay and finally adopt an Irish language Strategy which has been a legal duty since 2006.”
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