[lg policy] Irish language policy document for Election 2011

[Harold Schiffman]

Irish language policy document for Election 2011

An Chomhdháil has published a new policy document outlining the
commitments sought by the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities in
the forthcoming general election. These commitments are based on
issues discussed at a political debate on the Irish language hosted by
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge last week.

Amongst the issues discussed were Irish as a Leaving Certificate
subject,  the starus of Irish language in the Civil Service, the
support structures for the 20 Year Irish Language Strategy as well as
the enterprise development role of Údarás na Gaeltachta.  Arising from
the seminar, below are the preliminary demands for election 2011 which
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge will discuss with all political
parties:



• An Chomhdháil demands adequate resources and supports be provided to
Údarás na Gaeltachta to maintain its enterprise functions in Gaeltacht
areas.

• An Chomhdháil demands every support be given to families who wish to
raise their children through Irish, both in Gaeltacht areas and across
the country.

20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language

• An Chomhdháil demands the correct structures be established to
implement the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language effectively and
efficiently, and that the expertise and skills of the Irish language
voluntary sector be utilised fully in this regard.

• An Chomhdháil demands that the functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta be
clarified, and ratified in the necessary legislation, and that a
timescale be laid down for the enactment of such required legislation,
which will give the Strategy a legislative foothold.
Irish in the Education System

• An Chomhdháil demands full support be given to the Irish language as
a core subject at Leaving Certificate level, and as a minimum entry
requirement to third level courses.

• An Chomhdháil demands that a provision be made in the education
system to provide an Irish language curriculum which takes into
account the requirements of students who are fluent in the language.

• An Chomhdháil demands a review of the education system, to find
better methods of ensuring all children at both primary and secondary
level are fully proficient in Irish.

• An Chomhdháil demands provision be made to facilitate the
requirements of parents in relation to Irish language education.

Irish in the Civil Service

• An Chomhdháil demands the Official Languages Act 2003 be fully
implemented across the entire Civil Service.

• An Chomhdháil demands the Civil Service be reorganised in order to
provide increased services through Irish on a proactive basis.
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge recommends exercising positive
discrimination in the Civil Service recruitment process in favour of
candidates who are competent in both English and Irish.

Speaking at the public seminar, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na
Gaeilge, Pádraig Mac Criostail commented: “In order to improve the
status of the Irish language, it is necessary that Irish language
policies, effected by the next Government, have a factual basis, and
utilise the measures of best practice from the field of language
planning.”

“The election demands outlined by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge draw
on the expertise of the Irish language sector, and on public
consultation. An Chomhdháil will seek assurances on each of the above
demands from all parties”, he added.

Further information about this public seminar is available online at
www.gaelport.com/seiminearpoibli.

A PDF document outlining the commitments sought is available for download here.

©Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com 8 Feabhra 2011

http://www.gaelport.com/default.aspx?treeid=37&NewsItemID=5598

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