A DONEGAL Gaeltacht councillor has claimed he is being refused the right to conduct his normal business in the Irish language.
Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has called on Donegal County Council to do everything in its power to promote the Irish language in everyday business.
Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig spoke out after he claimed a non-elected member of a council committee proposed he should be allowed to speak only in Irish but then ignored.
The Donegal politician said: "Since I was elected I have been pressing Donegal County Council to take the Irish language seriously.
"They have agreed to provide a translator for full council meetings and meetings of the Glenties municipal district, which covers the Gaeltacht area, but not for other committee meetings."
Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig said public bodies must do all they can to promote the Irish language particularly after a number of recent studies raised concerns about the future of the Gaeltacht.
He said the issue came to a head last week during a committee meeting when he refused to translate his comments into English. Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig said a non-elected member proposed he be allowed to speak in Irish but then ignored.
"It was an ignorant display of contempt and disrespect for our language and culture and total disrespect for the people who elected me," he said.
