Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013
66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the Irish Language Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54987/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn ongoing contacts with the British government, most recently at my meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP, on 18 December, I continue to stress the importance of both Governments supporting the full 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 has been a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA.
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.
