Northern Ireland Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (45)

Brendan Smith

Question:

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had on the need to introduce an Irish language Act in Northern Ireland, as provided for in the St. Andrews Agreement; if he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with members of the Northern Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36202/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In ongoing contacts with the British government, I continue to stress the importance of implementation of all aspects of the Agreements. I am firmly of the view that an Irish Language Act should be introduced in Northern Ireland. All parties to the Good Friday Agreement recognised the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity in Northern Ireland. In the St. Andrews Agreement, the British government committed to introducing an Irish Language Act and to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language.

Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Last year the Northern Ireland Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA launched a public consultation process on strategies for the Irish language and Ulster Scots. A summary of the responses to the consultation process were published on 3 July 2013.

Officials in my Department maintain regular and ongoing contact with the Irish language community in Northern Ireland including those involved in cross community Irish language activity. I will continue to press in my discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive the urgent need to address this issue and to legislate for an Irish Language Act. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor this matter in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office.