Good Friday Committee to discuss status of Irish language in the North

The following witnesses will appear before the Committee:

•    Mr. Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, Bainisteoir Abhcóideachta, Conradh na Gaeilge and;
•    Mr. Julian de Spáinn, Ard-Rúnaí, Conradh na Gaeilge.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Chairperson, Kathleen Funchion TD said, “Respect for linguistic diversity and the Irish language are important elements of the Good Friday Agreement. Tomorrow, representatives from Conradh na Gaeilge will brief the Committee on the Irish Language Act / Acht na Gaeilge.  An Irish Language Act was provided for in the St Andrews Agreement in 2006. Language policy is a devolved matter and the approach on an Irish Language Act is therefore something that the Executive will need to agree. Tomorrow’s meeting is an opportunity for the Committee to discuss some of the issues and sensitivities around implementing all of the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement and successor Agreements, including an Irish Language Act.”

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