04/08/2025
Minister Vows To Promote Irish Language In Public Services
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has met with Foras na Gaeilge to reiterate her commitment to giving the Irish language a prominent place across the public services under her remit.
The Minister stated that she is determined to see the language given its due place, citing it as an important part of the region's history and heritage.
Minister Kimmins said: "I don’t believe anyone has anything to fear from the Irish language. It is part of our history and heritage. We see it all around us in our place-names and there are many areas of the north where it is spoken in families, communities, schools and work-places."
The Minister's determination is based on the need to fulfil commitments laid out in the European Charter of Minority Languages and her Department’s Irish Language Policy. She emphasised the importance of these policies in reflecting the language’s place in public life.
The Minister stated that she is determined to see the language given its due place, citing it as an important part of the region's history and heritage.
Minister Kimmins said: "I don’t believe anyone has anything to fear from the Irish language. It is part of our history and heritage. We see it all around us in our place-names and there are many areas of the north where it is spoken in families, communities, schools and work-places."
The Minister's determination is based on the need to fulfil commitments laid out in the European Charter of Minority Languages and her Department’s Irish Language Policy. She emphasised the importance of these policies in reflecting the language’s place in public life.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2022
New Strategy's For Irish And Ulster-Scots Languages
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the publication of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panels for an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage & Culture Strategy.
New Strategy's For Irish And Ulster-Scots Languages
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the publication of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panels for an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage & Culture Strategy.
17 February 2025
SDLP Criticises Minister's Handling Of Irish Language Education
The SDLP has questioned Education Minister Paul Givan on his handling of the Irish language. It comes after Minister Givan awarded himself an 'A' grade when asked how he would mark his performance around Irish language education since taking up the role.
SDLP Criticises Minister's Handling Of Irish Language Education
The SDLP has questioned Education Minister Paul Givan on his handling of the Irish language. It comes after Minister Givan awarded himself an 'A' grade when asked how he would mark his performance around Irish language education since taking up the role.
23 August 2024
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
28 April 2017
DUP Accused Of 'Genuflecting To Irish Language Brigade'
Jim Allister has accused the DUP of "genuflecting to the Irish language brigade". The TUV leader made the comments in response to DUP leader Arlene Foster meeting with Irish language groups, which he said should "serve as a warning to all those who oppose the De-Britishisation of Northern Ireland".
DUP Accused Of 'Genuflecting To Irish Language Brigade'
Jim Allister has accused the DUP of "genuflecting to the Irish language brigade". The TUV leader made the comments in response to DUP leader Arlene Foster meeting with Irish language groups, which he said should "serve as a warning to all those who oppose the De-Britishisation of Northern Ireland".
09 March 2017
Call For Irish Language Act To Be Brought Forward Immediately
Sinn Féin is calling for legislation for an Irish Language Act to be brought forward immediately. The party made the call after a new Council of Europe (CoE) report urged the government to encourage the Executive to introduce language legislation.
Call For Irish Language Act To Be Brought Forward Immediately
Sinn Féin is calling for legislation for an Irish Language Act to be brought forward immediately. The party made the call after a new Council of Europe (CoE) report urged the government to encourage the Executive to introduce language legislation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.