NORTHERN IRELAND: BELFAST ADMINISTRATION RESPOND TO LANGUAGE ACT DELAY PROTEST

- Rapport -

The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure in Belfast has responded to concerns expressed by the Celtic League about delays in implementing Irish language legislation in the North. The reply to a query from Celtic League Secretary General, Rhisiart Tal-e-bot is set out below: "Thank you for your letter dated 17th

Cathal Ó Luain Par Celtic League le 12/06/07 20:15

"Thank you for your letter dated 17th March 2007 concerning the current consultation on proposed Irish languge legislation. It may be helpful if I gave you some background into the publication of the second consultation document.

You are correct in saying the first consultation which ran from December to March received a large volume of responses in support of legislation. However the responses did not reflect a pronounced divergence of views among different sections of the community, and this suggested a need to build consensus around the form of any future legislation.

The approach to legislation which is currently being consulted on provides for a flexible mechanism for supporting the use of the Irish language in public life in Northern Ireland, and Government hopes that it may be effective, over time, in building consensus. It must be remembered that Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland have all adopted language schemes as the central mechanism within their language legislation.

It is also the case that if legislation relating to the Irish language were to be enacted in Northern Ireland, in time it would be possible to review and progressively develop it to reflect the practical experience of its operation. The experience of other countries has shown that an incremental approach, such as the introduction of language schemes, enables communities to develop increased understanding of the benefits that may be gained through the promotion of an indigenous language.

You also mentioned in your letter the Council of Europe Committee of Minister's report (COMEX) on the sitiation of minority languages in the UK. The recommendations made by the Committee covered a number of points, including the development of a comprehensive language policy including measures to meet the increasing demand for Irish medium education. You may be aware that the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 placed a duty on the new Northern Ireland Executive to adopt a strategy setting out how it proposses to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language. The statutory duty and the current consultation on Irish language legislation are consistent with the UK Government's responsibilities under the European Charter and reflect a measured response to the COMEX recommendations."

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