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Céard é an Scéal?

What’s the Story? Céard é an Scéal?

Public support for the Irish language is undeniable: new researchpublished by Conradh na Gaeilge

Two thirds of people in the south and almost half of those in the north believe the State should provide more support for the Irish language; a significant increase from 2015 according to “Céard é an Scéal?”, a newly published research report conducted by Conradh na Gaeilge, with Kantar Millward Brown andCinnteacht.  The report will be launched today at Seiminar an Oireachtais, at Oireachtas na Samhna 2018 festival in Killarney.

“Céard é an Scéal?” is a series of research reports that investigates public opinions towards the Irish language across the the country.

The highlights of Kantar Millward Brown’s survey findings include:

  • 66% in the south and 47% in the north believe that the State should do more to support the Irish language.
  • 70% in the south and 55% in the north believe that public services should be made available through Irish for those who wish to avail of them.
  • 67% in the south believe that main cities should have Irish language centres to provide information, classes and social events through Irish for the community.
  • 72% believe that the State should proved essential resources to ensure the future and sustainability of the Gaeltacht.
  • 78% in the south and 67% in the north support that Irish medium education should be available to every child, if that is their choice.

According to Dr. Niall Comer, President of Conradh na Gaeilge;
“These figures are encouraging and demonstrate that the public have a respect for and an understanding of the importance of the Irish language.  It is good to know that the public support that basic needs such as education and public services through Irish are essential, and we hope that the State will listen to this request. These figures also demonstrate the need for an Irish Language Act for the community in the north as soon as possible.”

As we all as the surveys conducted by Kantar Millward Brown, based on answers from the general public in the south and in the north, Ursula Ní Shabhaois, owner and director of Cinnteacht, spoke to speakers and non-speakers of the Irish language around the country, as well as employees in the Irish language sector, in order to gather a deeper understanding of the opinions conveyed in the public survey

Julian de Spáinn, General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge says;
“This research proves that the public support the Irish language, and so we are asking the Government to take immediate action in providing support for the national investment plan, agreed upon by 90 Irish language and Gaeltacht groups.  The plan would create over 1,100 jobs, especially in Gaeltacht areas, and would provide the public with many opportunities to speak, learn and use the language.”

The report will be available online and booklets will be available from Conradh na Gaeilge’s stand at Oireachtas na Samhna 2018 in the Gleneagle Hotel, Kilarney.

The full report is available here.

 

 

Conradh na Gaeilge

6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.
Phone: +353 (0) 1 475 7401, Fax: +353 (0) 1 475 7844, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.