The Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community promotes the use of Irish in the community, the arts, education, sport, business, the media and politics. It is working towards providing a meaningful and visible reality to the Irish language’s status as Ireland’s first official language.
The Committee has a special responsibility in monitoring the implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and in working towards creating a truly bilingual society. It works closely with An Coimisinéir Teanga and other organisations which promote and support the language.
The committee attaches specific importance to monitoring progress in providing Government services in Irish that are on a par with the services the Government provides in English.
The committee is particularly concerned with the provision of adequate services and employment in Gaeltacht areas and with the provision of services in Irish to Irish-speaking families throughout Ireland.
The key areas for the committee are
• Promoting the use of Irish as an everyday vernacular
• Monitoring of 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030
• Monitoring the provision of services and facilities through Irish
• Monitoring the progress in increasing the number of public servants with fluency in Irish and their willingness to provide a public service through Irish
• Monitoring Irish language schemes
• Reviewing legislation to Irish-proof it
• Promoting education through Irish and the provision of the services, texts and facilities required
• Monitoring the availability of Irish language products
The adoption of Dáil Standing Order 123 and Seanad Standing Order 105 established the Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish Speaking Community.
Cathaoirleach
Insights from the Chair: Aengus Ó Snodaigh
October 2022 The Cathaoirleach of the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community Aengus Ó Snodaigh speaks about his experience growing up in an Irish speaking household and his lifetime committment to the Irish language. He also decribes the role of the Committee regading issues that arise in relation tothe Irish Language in society and also its role in board selection for TG4.