Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2024
111. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the engagement his Department has had with the German Government regarding the suppression of the use of the Irish language at public events in Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20048/24]
View answerI am aware of reports regarding the incident in question.
The incident described took place in the context of a protest within Berlin’s government district. I understand that the rules surrounding this protest related to all languages other than English and German, and not to Irish in particular. There are domestic German administrative and legal avenues open to the group to raise this matter with the relevant authorities and the group may wish to consider this.
The Embassy has strong and regular outreach to the Irish community in Germany. I was pleased to meet with members of the community, including those that speak and promote the learning of the Irish language, during some of my recent visits to Germany.
