Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - European Year of Languages.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

130 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans that are in place or in preparation to mark European Year of Languages in 2001; and if he will use this special year to raise public awareness of Irish sign language. [21390/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

Ireland is involved, at both European and national levels, in preparation for European Year of Languages – EYL – 2001. A national co-ordinator and national co-ordinating committee is in place. A designated project officer has been appointed and will take up position before the end of October 2000. Ireland has been represented at all of the preparatory meetings of national co-ordinating bodies hosted by the European Commission and the Council of Europe. Our national co-ordinator is also Ireland's representative on the committee to assist the commission in the implementation of the year of languages. This committee is a requirement of the European Parliament and Council in its decision of 26 May 2000 on the European Year of Languages, 2001.

Ireland's preparation is being carried out in the spirit of the aims of the European Parliament and Council decision as well as the expressed aims of the Council of Europe. These aims are: to raise awareness of Europe's rich linguistic and cultural diversity, incorporating all languages, and to encourage multi-lingualism and especially lifelong learning of languages.

Planning is proceeding on the basis of encouraging all linguistic-cultural initiatives. All, including people who use sign language, will be encouraged to participate in and contribute to the year's activities. At the moment, work is in progress on Ireland's participation in the European launch in Lund, Sweden, in February 2001; preparation of Ireland's national launch shortly afterwards; planning national, regional and local activities to mark Europe-wide adult language learners' week, 5-11 May 2001 and European Day of Languages on 26 September 2001; creating Ireland's EYL 2001 website which it is hoped to launch shortly; contact with groups, individuals, organisations of all kinds who want to be involved in activities, sponsorship, and awareness raising during 2001. Such groups may have use of the European Year of Languages 2001 logo. The national committee is continuing work with European bodies in the development of Europe-wide competitions in 2001.

Applications are being processed at present for the co-funding by the European Commission of EYL projects. Organisations who missed the first deadline of 2 October will have another opportunity to submit applications before 15 February 2001 to the project officer who will be based in the Léargas office. More specific information on Ireland's plans and preparations for European Year of Languages, 2001 will be made available through various media in the months ahead.