Menu
13/02/2018
There Will Be No Stand-Alone Irish Language Act - Foster
The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has insisted that her party would not sign off on a stand-alone Irish Language Act, a key Sinn Féin demand throughout the 13-month impasse.
She also rubbished speculation about the shape of Irish language laws which may emerge from Stormont's power-sharing negotiations.
In an interview with the Press Association, she ruled out any laws that would require bilingual road signs in Northern Ireland, compulsory teaching of Irish in schools or quotas of Irish language speakers within the civil service.
She said: "I am hopeful that we will move toward devolution again.
"Whether it is this week, whether it is in a couple of weeks or whether it's in a couple of months what I must ensure is that we have an accommodation that everybody feels content with."
However, Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said that an Irish Language Act was essential to any deal to restore the political institutions.
He said: "The talks are at a critical stage and Sinn Féin’s focus remains on achieving a deal to restore the political institutions.
"However they want to describe it the DUP know that agreement requires an Acht Gaeilge.
"The DUP need to make up their mind up about whether they up for a deal or not.
"This is a time for leadership and calm heads and there is a responsibility on all involved not to react to some of the noise from people who simply don’t want an agreement."
Northern Ireland has been without an Executive since January 2017.
(CD/MH)
She also rubbished speculation about the shape of Irish language laws which may emerge from Stormont's power-sharing negotiations.
In an interview with the Press Association, she ruled out any laws that would require bilingual road signs in Northern Ireland, compulsory teaching of Irish in schools or quotas of Irish language speakers within the civil service.
She said: "I am hopeful that we will move toward devolution again.
"Whether it is this week, whether it is in a couple of weeks or whether it's in a couple of months what I must ensure is that we have an accommodation that everybody feels content with."
However, Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said that an Irish Language Act was essential to any deal to restore the political institutions.
He said: "The talks are at a critical stage and Sinn Féin’s focus remains on achieving a deal to restore the political institutions.
"However they want to describe it the DUP know that agreement requires an Acht Gaeilge.
"The DUP need to make up their mind up about whether they up for a deal or not.
"This is a time for leadership and calm heads and there is a responsibility on all involved not to react to some of the noise from people who simply don’t want an agreement."
Northern Ireland has been without an Executive since January 2017.
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 January 2024
Sinn Féin Welcomes Power-Sharing Return
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed progress on the return to power-sharing.
Sinn Féin Welcomes Power-Sharing Return
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed progress on the return to power-sharing.
18 April 2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
26 January 2024
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
26 March 2024
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
01 March 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Investment Creates 'Significant Opportunities'
Belfast City Council has hosted an event for business leaders to learn more about the opportunities being created by the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment – and how they can connect to, and benefit from them.
Belfast Region City Deal Investment Creates 'Significant Opportunities'
Belfast City Council has hosted an event for business leaders to learn more about the opportunities being created by the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment – and how they can connect to, and benefit from them.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
