Conradh na Gaeilge: ‘Scandalous and disgraceful’ no reference made to Irish language in Executive programme for government

Conradh na Gaeilge says it is “scandalous and disgraceful” that “no reference whatsoever” has been made to the Irish language in the Executive’s draft programme for government.

The Irish language advocacy group added that it was “incredibly disappointing” that among the 88 pages of the document, no mention of an Irish language act, strategy or commissioner is made.

The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill was passed by Parliament in 2022, which gave the Irish language official status in Northern Ireland.

But key elements of that change have not yet come into effect, including an Irish language commissioner.

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Conradh na Gaeilge said that in 2011, the PfG included references to the Irish language strategy, but no references to legislation or Irish medium education.

Five years later, the draft PfG contained references to an Irish Language ‘Academy’ and the Gaeltacht Quarter, but no references to the Irish language Act or the strategy.

But Conchúr Ó Muadaigh, advocacy manager for Conradh na Gaeilge, said no mention has been made this year.

“It is scandalous and disgraceful that the draft-programme for government (PfG) makes no reference whatsoever to the Irish language,” he said.

“The title of the PfG, ‘Doing What Matters Most’, informs us that the Executive has attempted to collate their main priorities.

“It is incredibly disappointing that neither the Irish language, the new Act, the commissioner, the strategy nor Gaeloideachas made their 88 pages short-list.

“We know that these issues would have been raised during the drafting processes, so there has clearly been a consensus to proceed without any reference to the language.

“We have been here before and we know that as a community we will have to fight back.

“We are raising these questions directly with the First and Deputy First Ministers and we hope to achieve significant changes to this programme for government during the consultation period.”

He added: “We want an equal society where Irish language rights are respected and prioritised, as was promised time and time again.

“It is clear we have to go and demand that change for ourselves.”

A spokesperson for The Executive Office said it is “responsible for taking forward the necessary arrangements to implement the provisions of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, including the establishment of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, the Irish language commissioner and the commissioner for the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British tradition”.

“The First Minister and deputy First Minister have given initial consideration to the appointments process and hope to make an announcement in due course regarding the necessary recruitment competitions,” he said.

“The consultation process on the draft programme for government is now live and will last for eight weeks.

“Everyone has the chance to have their say before the programme for government is finalised.”