Britain 'failing to protect rights of Irish speakers in NI'

The Human Rights Commission in the North says the rights of Irish speakers fail to meet international standards on the use of minority languages.

The commission's chief, Monica McWilliams, has written to the Northern Secretary asking how he plans to put this right.

Last week, Stormont Minister for Culture Edwin Poots ruled out the introduction of an Irish Language Act, despite British Government pledges under the St Andrew's proposals two years ago.

Ms McWilliams now wants to know how the British Government plans to meet its obligations under the EU Convention on National Minorities.