Menu
04/10/2007
Majority Rarely Speak Irish Language
A report published today reveals the majority of Irish people who can speak Irish rarely use it.
The study, published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), showed that out of 1.66 million people in the country who indicated that they could speak the language, just over 1 million (60%) either never spoke it or spoke it less frequently than weekly.
The ability to speak Irish was highest among the school-going population with over two-thirds of 10-14-year olds able to speak fluently.
Once again, females outperformed males in each age group.
All Gaeltacht areas, apart from Meath and Waterford, experienced a decline in the proportion of Irish speakers between 2002 and 2006.
Teachers were the highest performing occupational group with 80% being able to speak the language.
(LC/KMcA)
The study, published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), showed that out of 1.66 million people in the country who indicated that they could speak the language, just over 1 million (60%) either never spoke it or spoke it less frequently than weekly.
The ability to speak Irish was highest among the school-going population with over two-thirds of 10-14-year olds able to speak fluently.
Once again, females outperformed males in each age group.
All Gaeltacht areas, apart from Meath and Waterford, experienced a decline in the proportion of Irish speakers between 2002 and 2006.
Teachers were the highest performing occupational group with 80% being able to speak the language.
(LC/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 July 2016
Irish Language Users Urged To Apply For EU Jobs
The Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Seán Kyne, has again urged Irish language users to apply for EU translator post before the deadline on 12 July.
Irish Language Users Urged To Apply For EU Jobs
The Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Seán Kyne, has again urged Irish language users to apply for EU translator post before the deadline on 12 July.
01 October 2019
Irish Language Courses Supported With €1.6m Funding Boost
Funding of more than €1.6 million has been announced for the support of a number of Irish language courses, under the Advanced Irish Language Initiative.
Irish Language Courses Supported With €1.6m Funding Boost
Funding of more than €1.6 million has been announced for the support of a number of Irish language courses, under the Advanced Irish Language Initiative.
27 February 2018
Govt Approves Gaeltacht Language Planning Area
The government has approved the language plan for the Gaeltacht Language Planning Area: Na Déise, Government Chief-Whip and Minister of State for the Irish language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh, has announced.
Govt Approves Gaeltacht Language Planning Area
The government has approved the language plan for the Gaeltacht Language Planning Area: Na Déise, Government Chief-Whip and Minister of State for the Irish language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh, has announced.
13 September 2007
Irish Film Selected For Foreign Language Oscar
An Irish language film about the plight of Irish migrant workers in England has been selected for submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at next year's Academy Awards. The €2.
Irish Film Selected For Foreign Language Oscar
An Irish language film about the plight of Irish migrant workers in England has been selected for submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at next year's Academy Awards. The €2.
16 May 2008
'Large Irish Presence' At Cannes
The focal point for the Irish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival, the Irish Pavilion, has opened again for business this week, with over 200 of the leading lights of the Irish film industry flying out to the festival to promote and sell new Irish cinema.
'Large Irish Presence' At Cannes
The focal point for the Irish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival, the Irish Pavilion, has opened again for business this week, with over 200 of the leading lights of the Irish film industry flying out to the festival to promote and sell new Irish cinema.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
