Let’s value our heritage at home and in EU

YOU made much of the scandal surrounding the use (or misuse) of Irish in the European Parliament, as well as the lack of personnel equipped to deal with it (January 21). Naturally, as an Irish language enthusiast, I share that concern.

While I agree with the inference that Irish will survive, but not as a result of the actions of State agencies or legislation, let’s remember this: you can encourage people to stand up for the one part of their culture which is under threat, but that doesn’t mean they will do it.

Non-Irish speakers have been moving to the Gaeltacht and expecting schools to change time-honoured rules in order to allow English to be spoken in them. Worse still, late last year, you published an editorial arguing that every new school built in Gaeltacht areas should operate through English. We as a nation claim to value our heritage, yet whenever the time comes to stand by it, we are to be found seriously lacking, citing “greater priorities” as an excuse while pointing to the plight of the poor, suffering students.