Parties to get tough on EU status for Irish language

THE Government will come under renewed pressure to lobby for the recognition of Irish as an EU language tomorrow.

Highlighting Ireland’s powerful position as EU President, opposition parties will attempt to embarrass the Taoiseach on this highly emotive issue for Irish language activists.

After their minor victory on their first joint effort over electronic voting last week, Fine Gael, the Labour Party and the Green Party have agreed on a joint motion calling on the Government to inform the EU of its wish to have the Irish language recognised as an official language of the EU.

The motion, to be debated during Labour Party time in the Dáil tomorrow night and on Wednesday, points out that the accession of 10 new members to the EU on May 1 will result in a recognition of additional official languages of the union.

But Mr Ahern is expected to again insist the Government cannot only seek this designation, but seek some middle ground of specific translations, arising out of a group examining the issue, headed by Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuiv.

According to Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte, Ireland’s Presidency of the EU provides a unique opportunity to press for the recognition of the language.

“If the Dáil passes this motion next week it would considerably strengthen the hand of the Government in raising this issue with the EU,” he said.

Reiterating this point, FG leader Enda Kenny said the Government had to avail of this opportunity as Ireland may not have the presidency of the EU again in its current format.

Greens leader Trevor Sargent said even Malta, which will join the EU in May, has had their national language accepted as an official EU language even though it has less national language speakers than Ireland.

Responding to questions on this matter in Dáil Éireann last month, Mr Ahern said the classification of an official EU language was based upon it being in total administrative use.

Dismissing the Malta argument, Mr Ahern said in that country 99% of business administration is conducted in Maltese.

“That is not the situation with the Irish language and that is why it was not classified as an official language from the start,” he said on January 26.