Taoiseach tackles ‘ceist na dteanga’

THE Government yesterday set out an ambitious strategy for the Irish language aimed at creating a truly bilingual society over the next 20 years.

Ráiteas I Leith na Gaeilge 2006 (Statement on the Irish Language) 2006 was launched by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Farmleigh yesterday at an event, attended by all 15 members of the Cabinet.

While there are no new initiatives contained within the statement, Gaeltacht Minister Eamon Ó Cuív said it was important that, for the first time, Irish-language objectives were being given a clear and collective commitment and priority by Government.

“Tá aidhm ar leith againn a chinntiú go mbeidh an oiread saoránach agus is féidir dátheangach i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla,” a dúirt an t-Aire Ó Cuív.

Beidh an Ghaeilge mar pháirt lárnach do straitéis an Rialtais amach anseo, dar leis an t-Aire.

(“We have an ambition to ensure that as many citizens as possible are bilingual in Irish and English,” said Mr Ó Cuív, who added that Irish would be a central part of Government strategy in future.)

The statement sets out — in very simple terms — 15 principles to support the language over the next two decades.

The first reflects the special status of Irish in the Constitution, the Languages Act and other legislation.

There are also commitments to ensure the Official Languages Act is fully implement and that people will be able to use Irish in all dealings with the State.

It also refers to the need of fostering Irish outside the Gaeltacht, as well as the special support needed by native Irish speakers in Gaeltacht areas.

The statement reinforces the obligatory teaching of Irish from primary to Leaving Certificate level, with emphasis on oral Irish.

There is also a commitment to continue the expansion of Irish language broadcasts on TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta.