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<img src="http://www.irishnews.com/picturesarchive/irishnews/irishnews/2016/05/31/210511439-37210ce9-70e0-400e-bd56-2ebae929efec.jpg" alt="Conradh na Gaeilge to challenge Stormont over Irish language "></span>
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Conradh na Gaeilge was granted High Court leave to seek a
judicial review amid claims the administration is in breach of a
statutory duty
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Staff Reporter
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31 May, 2016 21:00
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<p>A CAMPAIGN group has secured the legal right to challenge the
Stormont Executive's alleged failure to implement an Irish language
strategy.</p>
<p>Conradh na Gaeilge was granted High Court leave to seek a judicial
review amid claims the administration is in breach of a statutory duty.</p>
<p>The organisation wants a judge to make an order for the Executive to
adopt a blueprint for enhancing and protecting the language's
development.</p>
<p>A 20-year strategy for Irish was published last year following consultation by former Culture Minister Carál ní Chuilín.</p>
<p>According to Conradh na Gaeilge's case the failure to implement a
plan covering the period 2015-2035 represents an unlawful failure to
comply with the 1998 Northern Ireland Act.</p>
<p>Lawyers for the body also contend that the government is committed to
implementing a European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.</p>
<p>In court on Tuesday Karen Quinlivan QC, for Conradh na Gaeilge,
revealed that the respondents have conceded an arguable case has been
established.</p>
<p>"The essential issue is that there's no strategy," she added.</p>
<p>Tony McGleenan QC, for the Executive, said he needed time to consult with officials on additional grounds of challenge.</p>
<p>Granting leave to apply for a judicial review, Mr Justice Colton listed the case for an update in September.</p>
<p>Outside court Conradh na Gaeilge's general secretary, Julian de
Spainn, urged the Executive to implement the strategy rather than
prolonging the legal action.</p>
<p>"All they have to do is comply with the law," he said.</p>
<p>Mr de Spainn stressed that Northern Ireland is the only part of the
UK that doesn't have legislative protection for a minority language.</p>
<p>He added: "This strategy is not about forcing anybody to use Irish,
it's to help the development and provide support for those who wish to
use it."</p><p><br></p>
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