Formal bid to have Irish adopted as EU language

A formal request was lodged with the European Union today to recognise Irish officially as a working language.

Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern revealed a proposal to grant the high level status had been tabled.

“This proposal, if agreed by the member states, would represent a significant positive and practical step forward for the Irish language in the EU,” said Mr Ahern.

The move follows a series of discussions Irish officials held with EU States and institutions over the last few months.

Bairbre de Brun, Sinn Féin MEP, said the move was a direct result of the hard work, determination and commitment of campaigners.

“Sinn Féin has made the recognition of the Irish language at EU level a party priority,” she said.

“Not only will this provide jobs for a number of translators, it also represents equality of treatment for the language at an EU level.”

It is understood the Government identified a number of issues and practical options for adopting the language before tabling the proposal.

If agreed certain laws will be translated into Irish, and its standing will be reviewed within four years.

Unanimous agreement is needed across member State’s to amend regulations governing the union's language regime, and grant the language official status.