Conradh na Gaeilge said that the decision taken by the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Edwin Poots, yesterday regarding the implementation of an Irish language Act in the North was anti-Irish and anti-Ulster and that an opportunity has been wasted by the DUP Minister to recognise the Irish language, a language owned by all the people on the whole of the island. It is a disastrous decision especially after the huge support shown by the general public in the North through the 7,500 submissions made in favour of such an act during the two consultation processes. This decision is unreasonable and senseless.
As a result of Minister Poots refusing to bring an Irish language bill before the Assembly, Conradh na Gaeilge now calls upon the Irish government to use their influence so that they themselves and the British government immediately stick to their international agreement regarding the implementation of an Irish language Act in the North and that this Act be enacted through the Westminister Parliament. We also ask the greater public to play a role and to send letters and to make phone calls to their local Teachtaí Dála and to the British Prime Minister at: 10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA or by fax to 0044 207 9250918.
Dáithí Mac Cárthaigh, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge said:
"The decision taken by Minister Poots regarding the implementation of an Irish language Act is a disgrace as well as being anti-Irish and anti-Ulster. It is a decision which was taken despite comprehensive support from the general public for this act.
"We are now demanding that Gordon Brown and the Westminster government stand by their legal international duties and implement this act immediately. The Irish language in the North has to be granted the same status and rights as Gaidhlig has in Scotland and as Cymru has in Wales. I ask the Irish language speaking community and those who are sympathetic to Irish to pressurise the British and Irish governments into fulfilling their promises."
Further information:
Dáithí Mac Cárthaigh
President, Conradh na Gaeilge.
01 4757401 / 087 2368364
Julian de Spáinn
General Secretary, Conradh na Gaeilge.
01 4757401 / 086 8142757
