MEP attacks Government ‘propaganda’ on EU recognition of Irish language

European taxpayers should not have to pay to accommodate the decision to make Irish an official language in the European Parliament, according to Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson.

European taxpayers should not have to pay to make Irish an official language in the European Parliament, according to Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson.

The cost of employing staff, external translation and publication was estimated at €1.4m per year by the European Parliament's governing Bureau in Strasbourg last night.

“(This) is a political decision which came about through a propaganda battle waged by the Irish Government,” said Mr Nicholson.

“If this was purely an administrative decision to ensure that all MEPs may enjoy the right to speak in the language of those who elected them, I would have no problem.

“Unfortunately because the decision ultimately rests with the governments of member states, there is nothing that we in the European Parliament can do to prevent it.”