Sinn Féin Pledges Support For Irish Language Strategy

Conradh na Gaeilge has commended Sinn Féin for seizing the opportunity to raise the question of the use of Irish in the Houses of the Oireachtas, and in the media in general, by organising a presentation ceremony of the Irish speakers’ symbol An Fáinne.

The ceremony will take place today at Leinster House in Dublin.

Cóilín Ó Cearbhaill, Tánaiste of Conradh na Gaeilge says: “It is a critical time for the Irish language, especially in light of the fact that the implementation structure and legislation for The 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 - 2030 are being drafted by the Government at present, and Sinn Féin are to be commended for the support the party is showing for the use of the language in the Dáil, for the implementation of the Strategy in full, and for Údarás na Gaeltachta.”

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Irish-language and Gaeltacht affairs said: “Sinn Féin are fully committed to the Irish language and we are determined to encourage more members of the Oireachtas to speak Irish in both the Dáil and in the Seanad in future, and indeed that there will also be an increase in general in media coverage through Irish of the country’s affairs.

“Sinn Féin are clearly sticking to their word and are already actively showing their support of the Irish language, with party representatives often speaking in Irish in the Dáil and in the Seanad, and by generating publicity for the language with this presentation ceremony of symbolic Irish-language fáinní on Wednesday.”

Regarding the discussion of political matters through Irish in the Houses of the Oireachtas, Ó Cearbhaill said: “The English-language media have a tendency not to cover debates or issues discussed through Irish in the Dáil or in the Seanad, which in turns makes TDs and Senators reluctant to use their Irish in the Oireachtas.

“To rectify this disparity, Conradh na Gaeilge is advocating the implementation of a plan in Leinster House to ensure that the adequate translation facilities are available and being used by the English-language media, and that a course is provided to Oireachtas members and to journalists alike on language awareness and how best to present issues discussed in Irish to the public.”

Conradh na Gaeilge also organise a conversation circle in Leinster House on a regular basis, to give members of the Oireachtas a chance to practise their Irish in an informal, sociable setting so that they have the confidence to speak Irish in the Dáil or in the Seanad in future.

(BMcN/KMcA)