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PLATFORM: Patsy McGlone SDLP

SDLP's Patsy McGlone
SDLP's Patsy McGlone SDLP's Patsy McGlone

Since an Irish Language Act has been brought centre stage as part of the talks process, we have found ourselves at the centre of a number of side discussions: why should progress, or lack of it on an Irish Language Act delay the talks process? Should an Irish Language Act even be part of these negotiations?

A Chinese visitor to Stormont last week during our chat about the importance of languages observed “every language opens a window”. As in the case of Irish/Gaeilge so much of our heritage, literature, culture is explained through understanding of words that have developed the Irish Language over some 2,500 years. “Who am I?” – the most basic, yet most important of human questions has led to the evolution of religions, philosophies, ideologies and nationalities. The ability to express yourself in the language of the ancestors, as it gifts us a direct connection with our heritage, so comprises part of our rich Irish identity.

Wales and Scotland have both officially recognised the importance of their own languages, albeit in different ways and, of course, in the Republic, Irish has special mention in our national constitution. Here, in the North, while in recent years funding streams have opened up to Irish-medium education and other projects, no formal legislative recognition for Irish language speakers exists. It goes to the very core of the historical problem in the North – parity of esteem - as recognised by The Good Friday Agreement/ComhaontúAoine an Chéasta.

“In the context of active consideration currently being given to the UK signing the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the British Government will in particular in relation to the Irish language, where appropriate and where people so desire it:

• take resolute action to promote the language;

• facilitate and encourage the use of the language in speech and writing in public and private life where there is appropriate demand;

• seek to remove, where possible, restrictions which would discourage or work against the maintenance or development of the language;

• make provision for liaising with the Irish language community, representing their views to public authorities and investigating complaints;

• place a statutory duty on the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate Irish medium education in line with current provision for integrated education;

• explore urgently with the relevant British authorities, and in co-operation with the Irish broadcasting authorities, the scope for achieving more widespread availability of TeilifisnaGaeilige in Northern Ireland;

• seek more effective ways to encourage and provide financial support for Irish language film and television production in Northern Ireland; and

• encourage the parties to secure agreement that this commitment will be sustained by a new Assembly in a way which takes account of the desires and sensitivities of the community.”

Various attempts have been made to introduce legislation. My colleague Dominic Bradley and I both worked on Private Members’ Bills – my own attempt ended due to the Assembly crashing earlier this year.

The SDLP has been very clear throughout the talks process, that none of the issues are insurmountable and that includes the delivery of an Irish Language Act. The current stalemate can be broken and real equality, including economic equality, as well as language equality, can be delivered if there is the political will. However, if the Assembly is to develop and an Executive set up which is to have at its core parity of esteem and a genuine will to create a reconciled society, then let’s start to accommodate each other.

While others will seek that different aspects of their identity be accommodated. My ask, an Irish Language Act. Déanaimís é – let’s do it.

Patsy McGlone SDLP MLA