Equal Rights For Irish Speakers
Sinn Féin supports the
restoration of the Irish language as the spoken language among the
majority of people in Ireland and the creation of a truly bilingual
society. We believe that there should be an Aire Gaeilge &
Gaeltachta in Cabinet with responsibility for language policy delivery.
We
would fully review and upgrade the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish
Language,we would strengthen the Official Languages Act and we support
an Acht na Gaeilge for the North.
Equality is an integral part of
a democratic society and this includes upholding the rights of
Irish-language speakers. In the North, Minister Carál Ní Chuilinn has
shown the political drive Sinn Féin has regarding our native language.
10,000 people have now signed up to her Department’s Líofa campaign to
improve their use of the Irish language.
Sinn Féin Would:
- Full
review and upgrading of the 20-year strategy on the Irish language with
additional funding to make it happen. The Language Commissioner should
have a stronger role in overseeing it’s delivery.
- Implement the recommendations of the report from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Gaeltacht on the Official Languages Act.
- Full status for the Irish language in the European Union - end the derogation now.
- Increase funding to Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge.
- Deliver
proper language rights for citizens and guarantee the range and
standards of service in Irish that citizens can expect from the State.
- Ensure
a clear Government focus on the survival and development of Gaeltacht
areas. The future of the Irish language is dependent upon the continuing
existence of sustainable Gaeltacht communities where Irish remains the
primary language of the community.