Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2012
159. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on his discussions with the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure in the Executive in Northern Ireland in relation to the Irish Language Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46646/12]
View answerThe St. Andrews Agreement included a commitment by the British government to introduce an Irish Language Act in Northern Ireland and to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language. Following restoration of the devolved institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland became a devolved matter and is now the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive.
The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement, including the provisions relating to the Irish language, and raises these issues with the British Government and with the Northern Ireland Executive, as appropriate. The Government continues to follow developments closely in relation to the proposed Irish Language Act, as well as the overall enhancement and protection of the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
I am aware that the public consultation process, launched by the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, on the draft strategy for the Irish language in Northern Ireland will come to a close on 27 November 2012. It is hoped that the outcome of this process will facilitate further developments in terms of the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
