06/08/2013

SDLP Calls For Irish Language Report

The SDLP has called for the Executive to publish a report into the progress that has been made in promoting the Irish language and Ulster-Scots.

The move follows criticism from Westminster that Stormont failed to submit a report on the promotion of Irish and Ulster Scots within deadline, after MLAs were unable to agree.

"I am deeply concerned that this major report on the promotion and progress of the Irish language has not been submitted to the UK Government," the SDLP's Patsy McGlone said.

"The NI Executive must reach agreement on this report and publish it immediately.

"Sinn Fein holds the portfolio for the development of the Irish language and should show leadership on this issue and ensure this report is released. Their silence on this issue is damaging to the progress of the Irish language in the North and its symbolic value to the rest of Europe."

Mr McGlone said promotion of language was "a key component of the Good Friday Agreement " and that the executive is "duty bound to update the UK Government and Europe as to their progress on the promotion of the Irish language."

He added: "The NI Executive's inability to reach agreement on this report on the Irish language alarming; they must come together and reach an agreement on this issue as a matter of urgency. At a time when other key elements of our identity and symbolism are being discussed it is a pity that the NI Executive cannot agree on our linguistic diversity."

(IT/CD)

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