Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has called for the urgent implementation of Acht na Gaelige in the north following the publication of Council of Europe report on languages.

Sinn Féin’s Leader in the Seanad said: 

“This is yet another report critical of the British Government for their regressive approach to the Irish language published by the Council of Europe was. 

“The report highlights many inadequacies, including the lack of provision for speaking Irish and translation services in the judicial system, the North’s assembly, local government and within a range of public services.  

“A key remedy to addressing many of these outstanding issues will be the implementation of Acht na Gaelige, agreed as part of the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal. 

“I welcome that the Council of Europe has made 20 recommendations for action which would further enhance and protect the Irish language, core to these recommendations is the immediate implementation of Acht na Gaelige.  

“These recommendations cannot be shelved; they must be acted upon. 

“There can be no further delay in the implementation of Acht na Gaelige.

 “The report makes references to Irish Medium Education, we as a party have worked tirelessly north and south to support and promote the sector. The IM sector is one of the sectors growing on this island, we need that trend to continue. 

“The report also references a geographical barrier to citizens in the north accessing Irish Language Media, namely TG4. We will be seeking a meeting to discuss this with TG4 going forward. 

“The Irish language community is vibrant and growing, we must do all we can to provide real and practical support to encourage and develop this growth.”