A NEW Executive must implement an Irish language strategy if the High Court rules today in favour of a group behind a Judicial Review into Stormont’s “failure” on the issue, supporters have said.
Campaign group Conradh na Gaeilge last month launched legal action against the Executive over the failure to adopt a strategy for Northern Ireland, which formed part of the St Andrew's Agreement.
A strategy was among terms in the agreement, signed by local political parties and the British Government in 2006. The DUP however has insisted an Irish language act never formed part of the agreement.
The High Court heard last month that the Executive failed to implement plans for a language bill, which was drafted in 2015 by then culture minister Carál Ní Chuilín, after it failed to get backing.
If an Executive is not formed, direct rule ministers will then have to implement a strategy, according to Conradh na Gaeilge spokesman Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin.
Speaking ahead of today’s ruling he told the Irish News: “It was and is a duty of the Executive to implement a strategy, and by failing to do so, we argue they are in breach of the St Andrew’s Agreement.
“The strategy is not there, so clearly they have done nothing to honour this agreement. Following this election, for us it really doesn’t matter who the obligation falls on – if the judge agrees with our case, a strategy will have to be put in place as soon as possible by direct rule ministers if an Executive cannot be formed.”
Last week West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan suggested an Irish language act must be agreed before his party returns to government.
Mr Mac Giolla Bhéin added: “No Executive should be formed unless an Irish language act is on the table. This must be a red line for parties prepared to work with the DUP in government.”
