Bairbre de Brún demands equality for Irish language speakers in the North
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called for Irish language speakers in
the six counties to be 'afforded the same rights and entitlements as speakers
throughout the rest of the country'.
Ms de Brún made her comments
today as a guest speaker at a report launch by the Irish Language group
POBAL. The report is entitled "The Implementation of the European
Charter for Regional and Minority Languages".
Today's event
is taking place in the EDGE, May's Meadow at 11.00am.
Speaking
today Ms de Brún said:
"I want to commend POBAL for putting
so much effort into ensuring that Irish language speakers in the six
counties are afforded the same rights and entitlements as speakers
throughout the rest of the country.
"The efforts of POBAL and
other voluntary and community organisations need to be matched and surpassed
by those of government departments. At present this is very far from
the case.
"The POBAL report focuses upon ensuring the full
implementation of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages
in respect of the Irish language. The charter had been widely regarded as an
opportunity to elevate the Irish language onto a similar level as other such
languages throughout the EU. However, the British Government is guilty of
dragging its feet and adopting a piecemeal approach to implementing its
provisions.
"The
British Government's position is particularly ironic given the fact that the
Irish language is more popular in the six counties than at any time in our
history.
"The report being launched today shows that the British
government commitments under the Charter have not led to the requisite
resolute action. This further strengthens the case for an Irish Language
Act for the north.
"Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring
equal status for the language and will be facilitating a delegation from a
range of Irish language groups at the European Parliament on March 7th, to
meet with NGOs, European institution officials, MEPs and and political group
staff to discuss Irish language rights, the status of the language as an
official, working language of the EU, proposals for an Irish Language Act
for the Six Counties and promotion of the language in the context of the
European Charter for Regional and
Minority Languages."
"Sinn
Féin is actively working with POBAL and other leading Irish language organisations
to ensure that this issue remains a priority for both governments. We have
raised the issue again recently in our contacts with others and will
continue to do so in the coming months. As an Irish speaker and an MEP I
will continue do all I can to assist." ENDS
Note:
The
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML) was ratified by
the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office on behalf of the British
Government on 1 July 2001.