BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH, AN 24 BEALTAINE 2013 DUBLIN, 24 MAY 2013

SEÁN Ó CUIRREÁIN, AN COIMISINÉIR TEANGA

Comhdháil Idirnáisiúnta ar Chearta Teanga

International Conference on Language Rights

Historic language of Ireland…in use here for 2,000 years

Oldest written language in Northern Europe which remains a living, community language

Despite its history and status, it remains a threatened language

Historic language of Ireland…in use here for 2,000 years

Oldest written language in Northern Europe which remains a living, community language

Despite its history and status, it remains a threatened language

Cúlra…...Background

Daonáireamh 2011Daonáireamh 2011 Census 2011Census 2011

Daonra iomlán = 4.5m. duine

Gaeilge ag 1.77m nó 41%...méadú 7% ó 2006

Cainteoirí laethúla (lasmuigh den oideachas)… 77,000 méadú 7%, 23,000 acu sin sa Ghaeltacht

Daonra iomlán = 4.5m. duine

Gaeilge ag 1.77m nó 41%...méadú 7% ó 2006

Cainteoirí laethúla (lasmuigh den oideachas)… 77,000 méadú 7%, 23,000 acu sin sa Ghaeltacht

Total population = 4.5m. people

Those with Irish, 1.77m or 41%, increase of 7% since 2006

Daily speakers (outside education)… 77,000, up 7%, 23,000 of those in Gaeltacht areas.

Total population = 4.5m. people

Those with Irish, 1.77m or 41%, increase of 7% since 2006

Daily speakers (outside education)… 77,000, up 7%, 23,000 of those in Gaeltacht areas.

Staitisticí ….Statistics

Go hoifigiúil…Go hoifigiúil… Officially…Officially…

Mar theanga náisiúnta, aitheanta sa bhunreacht mar phríomhtheanga oifigiúil.

Teanga oifigiúil san Aontas Eorpach (AE) í ón mbliain 2007

Polasaí oifigiúil ó bhunú an Stáit maidir le tacaíocht/cur chun cinn na teanga

Léiríonn taighde go bhfuil 93% de phobal na tíre báúil dá cosaint nó dá cur chun cinn.

Mar theanga náisiúnta, aitheanta sa bhunreacht mar phríomhtheanga oifigiúil.

Teanga oifigiúil san Aontas Eorpach (AE) í ón mbliain 2007

Polasaí oifigiúil ó bhunú an Stáit maidir le tacaíocht/cur chun cinn na teanga

Léiríonn taighde go bhfuil 93% de phobal na tíre báúil dá cosaint nó dá cur chun cinn.

As national language recognised in constitution as first official language

Official language of European Union (EU) since 2007

Official policy of supporting/promoting language since foundation of State

Research shows that 93% of the population are supportive of the preservation or promotion of Irish.

As national language recognised in constitution as first official language

Official language of European Union (EU) since 2007

Official policy of supporting/promoting language since foundation of State

Research shows that 93% of the population are supportive of the preservation or promotion of Irish.

Stádas….Status

Raon leathan de thacaíochtaí oifigiúla…Raon leathan de thacaíochtaí oifigiúla…

Wide range of official support mechanisms…Wide range of official support mechanisms…

Ábhar éigeantach scoile go dtí an Ardteist (aois c.18 bliana), cead úsáide sna cúirteanna agus Tithe an Oireachtais, Aire agus Roinn Rialtais, stáisiúin raidió agus teilifíse, foilseacháin éagsúla, oideachas trí Ghaeilge ó naíonraí go 3ú leibhéal, seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ó ranna agus eagraíochtaí stáit, Acht Teanga agus Oifig Coimisinéara Teanga, forais, cumainn agus eagraíochtaí teanga de gach cineál, straitéis 20 bliain, pleanáil teanga sa Ghaeltacht…

Ábhar éigeantach scoile go dtí an Ardteist (aois c.18 bliana), cead úsáide sna cúirteanna agus Tithe an Oireachtais, Aire agus Roinn Rialtais, stáisiúin raidió agus teilifíse, foilseacháin éagsúla, oideachas trí Ghaeilge ó naíonraí go 3ú leibhéal, seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ó ranna agus eagraíochtaí stáit, Acht Teanga agus Oifig Coimisinéara Teanga, forais, cumainn agus eagraíochtaí teanga de gach cineál, straitéis 20 bliain, pleanáil teanga sa Ghaeltacht…

Compulsory school subject to Leaving Cert (c.18 years of age), right to use in all courts and houses of parliament, Government Minister and Department, Radio and TV stations, publications, education through Irish from pre-school to 3rd level, services through Irish from state departments and agencies, Language Act and Language Commissioner’s Office, all sorts of language organisations, associations and bodies , 20-year strategy, Gaeltacht language planning initiative …

Compulsory school subject to Leaving Cert (c.18 years of age), right to use in all courts and houses of parliament, Government Minister and Department, Radio and TV stations, publications, education through Irish from pre-school to 3rd level, services through Irish from state departments and agencies, Language Act and Language Commissioner’s Office, all sorts of language organisations, associations and bodies , 20-year strategy, Gaeltacht language planning initiative …

Tacaíocht…Support

Staid reatha…Staid reatha… Current state…Current state… Maireann an teanga mar theanga

phobail i limistéir i 7 gcontae, ar an gcósta thiar den chuid is mó (agus mar rogha theanga ar fud na tíre…)

Daonra na Gaeltachta c.97,000 agus 66,000 díobh ina gcainteoirí Gaeilge; 23,000 acu ina gcainteoirí laethúla Gaeilge lasmuigh den oideachas.

Mairfidh an teanga sna Gaeltachtaí ach an mairfidh sí mar theanga bheo an phobail? Faoi bhrú ollmhór faoi láthair…Géarchéim teanga i ngach limistéir Gaeltacht gan dabht ar bith.

Dlúthcheangal idir todhchaí na Gaeltachta agus an teanga go náisiúnta.

Maireann an teanga mar theanga phobail i limistéir i 7 gcontae, ar an gcósta thiar den chuid is mó (agus mar rogha theanga ar fud na tíre…)

Daonra na Gaeltachta c.97,000 agus 66,000 díobh ina gcainteoirí Gaeilge; 23,000 acu ina gcainteoirí laethúla Gaeilge lasmuigh den oideachas.

Mairfidh an teanga sna Gaeltachtaí ach an mairfidh sí mar theanga bheo an phobail? Faoi bhrú ollmhór faoi láthair…Géarchéim teanga i ngach limistéir Gaeltacht gan dabht ar bith.

Dlúthcheangal idir todhchaí na Gaeltachta agus an teanga go náisiúnta.

Irish survives as a community language in areas in 7 counties, predominantly on western seaboard (also as a language of choice throughout the country…)

Gaeltacht population is c.97,000 with 66,000 being Irish speakers; 23,000 of those speak Irish daily outside education system.

Language will survive in Gaeltacht but will it remain a living, community language? Under enormous pressure at present: major crisis in every Gaeltacht.

Inherent connection between future of Gaeltacht and the language nationally.

Irish survives as a community language in areas in 7 counties, predominantly on western seaboard (also as a language of choice throughout the country…)

Gaeltacht population is c.97,000 with 66,000 being Irish speakers; 23,000 of those speak Irish daily outside education system.

Language will survive in Gaeltacht but will it remain a living, community language? Under enormous pressure at present: major crisis in every Gaeltacht.

Inherent connection between future of Gaeltacht and the language nationally.

Gaeltacht

Gan cheist…Gan cheist… Without question…Without question…Easpa ceangail idir

sealbhú na teanga (san oideachas nó ó dhúchas sa Ghaeltacht) agus úsáid na teanga…bearna ollmhór fágtha

Gan dóthain aird ar sholáthar seirbhísí stáit trí Ghaeilge …go háirithe sa Ghaeltacht.

Teachtaireacht mheasctha… “Labhraígí Gaeilge le chéile ach ná labhraígí linne í!”

Easpa ceangail idir sealbhú na teanga (san oideachas nó ó dhúchas sa Ghaeltacht) agus úsáid na teanga…bearna ollmhór fágtha

Gan dóthain aird ar sholáthar seirbhísí stáit trí Ghaeilge …go háirithe sa Ghaeltacht.

Teachtaireacht mheasctha… “Labhraígí Gaeilge le chéile ach ná labhraígí linne í!”

Lack of correlation between language acquisition (through education or as native speakers in Gaeltacht) and subsequent usage… a huge ‘disconnect’.

Inadequate provision of state services through Irish..particularly in Gaeltacht.

Mixed message ..“Speak Irish amongst yourselves, but don’t speak it to us!”

Lack of correlation between language acquisition (through education or as native speakers in Gaeltacht) and subsequent usage… a huge ‘disconnect’.

Inadequate provision of state services through Irish..particularly in Gaeltacht.

Mixed message ..“Speak Irish amongst yourselves, but don’t speak it to us!”

Deacrachtaí …Difficulties

Aidhm…Aidhm… Objective…Objective…

Forálacha teanga i go leor den reachtaíocht

2003 – Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Aidhm: líon agus caighdeán na seirbhísí stáit trí Ghaeilge a mhéadú ar bhealach eagraithe thar tréimhse ama..áit agus spás a chruthú don teanga i saol poiblí na tíre.

Forálacha teanga i go leor den reachtaíocht

2003 – Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Aidhm: líon agus caighdeán na seirbhísí stáit trí Ghaeilge a mhéadú ar bhealach eagraithe thar tréimhse ama..áit agus spás a chruthú don teanga i saol poiblí na tíre.

Language provisions in many pieces of legislation

2003 – Official Languages Act

Objective: increase the quantity an quality of state services through Irish in an organised manner over time…create a place and space for the language in public affairs

Language provisions in many pieces of legislation

2003 – Official Languages Act

Objective: increase the quantity an quality of state services through Irish in an organised manner over time…create a place and space for the language in public affairs

Reachtaíocht…Legislation

San Acht…San Acht… In the Act…In the Act…Trí mheascán

d'fhorálacha díreacha, rialacháin agus scéimeanna teanga, dírítear ar úsáid na Gaeilge sna cúirteanna, i dTithe an Oireachtais, i gcroí-fhoilseacháin na n-eagras stáit, sa chumarsáid idir an Stát agus an pobal, i gcomharthaíocht, stáiseanóireacht, fógairtí taifeadta béil, logainmneacha, etc. Bainteach leis an tseirbhís phoiblí amháin.

Trí mheascán d'fhorálacha díreacha, rialacháin agus scéimeanna teanga, dírítear ar úsáid na Gaeilge sna cúirteanna, i dTithe an Oireachtais, i gcroí-fhoilseacháin na n-eagras stáit, sa chumarsáid idir an Stát agus an pobal, i gcomharthaíocht, stáiseanóireacht, fógairtí taifeadta béil, logainmneacha, etc. Bainteach leis an tseirbhís phoiblí amháin.

Using a mix of direct provisions, regulations and language schemes, it focuses on use of Irish in the courts, houses of parliament, in core publications by state bodies, in the communication between State and public, in signage, stationery, recorded announcements, placenames, etc. Deals only with public sector.

Using a mix of direct provisions, regulations and language schemes, it focuses on use of Irish in the courts, houses of parliament, in core publications by state bodies, in the communication between State and public, in signage, stationery, recorded announcements, placenames, etc. Deals only with public sector.

Forálacha…Provisions

Oifig bheag…Oifig bheag… Small office…Small office…

Bunaithe in 2004 Seirbhís ombudsman Gníomhaireacht

ghéilliúlachta Soláthar comhairle ar

chearta agus ar dhualgais

Foireann de 5-7 státseirbhíseach

Buiséad bliantúil c.€600,000

Bunaithe in 2004 Seirbhís ombudsman Gníomhaireacht

ghéilliúlachta Soláthar comhairle ar

chearta agus ar dhualgais

Foireann de 5-7 státseirbhíseach

Buiséad bliantúil c.€600,000

Established in 2004 Ombudsman service Compliance Agency Provision of advice

on rights and obligations

Staff of 5-7 civil servants

Annual budget c.€600,000

Established in 2004 Ombudsman service Compliance Agency Provision of advice

on rights and obligations

Staff of 5-7 civil servants

Annual budget c.€600,000

Coimisinéir …Commissioner

Go dtí deireadh 2012, dhéileáil an Oifig le:Go dtí deireadh 2012, dhéileáil an Oifig le:

By the end of 2012, the Office had dealt with:By the end of 2012, the Office had dealt with:

5,425 gearán (28% ón nGaeltacht) 82 imscrúdú foirmiúil 198 iniúchadh 1,736 iarratas ar chomhairle ó eagrais stáit

9 dtuarascáil bhliantúla +

3 thuarascáil speisialta agus tuairisc ar mholtaí maidir le leasuithe ar an Acht.

Treoirleabhar, suíomh gréasáin agus foilseacháin éagsúla, chomh maith le pacáiste tacaíochta foghlama ilmhéan ar chearta teanga do dhaltaí scoile na tíre, etc .

5,425 gearán (28% ón nGaeltacht) 82 imscrúdú foirmiúil 198 iniúchadh 1,736 iarratas ar chomhairle ó eagrais stáit

9 dtuarascáil bhliantúla +

3 thuarascáil speisialta agus tuairisc ar mholtaí maidir le leasuithe ar an Acht.

Treoirleabhar, suíomh gréasáin agus foilseacháin éagsúla, chomh maith le pacáiste tacaíochta foghlama ilmhéan ar chearta teanga do dhaltaí scoile na tíre, etc .

5,425 complaints (28% from the Gaeltacht)

82 formal investigations

198 audits1,736 requests for advice

from state bodies9 annual reports + 3

special reports, as well as recommendations for amendments to the Act.

Guidebook, a website and various publications including a multi-media educational resource on language right for schoolchildren.

5,425 complaints (28% from the Gaeltacht)

82 formal investigations

198 audits1,736 requests for advice

from state bodies9 annual reports + 3

special reports, as well as recommendations for amendments to the Act.

Guidebook, a website and various publications including a multi-media educational resource on language right for schoolchildren.

Osradharc…Overview

An tAcht faoi athbhreithniú faoi láthair…An tAcht faoi athbhreithniú faoi láthair… Act currently under review…Act currently under review…

Cuid de chlár oibre an Rialtais reatha

Próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí críochnaithe ó Eanáir 2011 ach níl na torthaí foilsithe fós.

Ráite go mbeidh an bille nua leis an Acht a leasú foilsithe roimh dheireadh na bliana seo.

Cónascadh Oifig an Choimisinéara le hOifig an Ombudsman le déanamh sa phróiseas céanna ach ráite go leanfaidh coimisinéir neamhspleách a bheidh á cheapadh go reachtúil ag feidhmiú na gcumhachtaí reatha agus lonnaithe sa Ghaeltacht. Cineál éigin córais le cumhachtaí tarmligthe luaite.

Cuid de chlár oibre an Rialtais reatha

Próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí críochnaithe ó Eanáir 2011 ach níl na torthaí foilsithe fós.

Ráite go mbeidh an bille nua leis an Acht a leasú foilsithe roimh dheireadh na bliana seo.

Cónascadh Oifig an Choimisinéara le hOifig an Ombudsman le déanamh sa phróiseas céanna ach ráite go leanfaidh coimisinéir neamhspleách a bheidh á cheapadh go reachtúil ag feidhmiú na gcumhachtaí reatha agus lonnaithe sa Ghaeltacht. Cineál éigin córais le cumhachtaí tarmligthe luaite.

Part of the current programme for Government

Public consultation exercise ended in January 2011 but no results published to date

Bill to amend Act said to be published before end of this year.

Amalgamation of Commissioner's Office with Ombudsman's Office as part of the same process but said that an independent commissioner will continue to be appointed in a statutory manner, with the statutory functions of the current commissioner and based in the Gaeltacht. Some system of delegated powers proposed.

Part of the current programme for Government

Public consultation exercise ended in January 2011 but no results published to date

Bill to amend Act said to be published before end of this year.

Amalgamation of Commissioner's Office with Ombudsman's Office as part of the same process but said that an independent commissioner will continue to be appointed in a statutory manner, with the statutory functions of the current commissioner and based in the Gaeltacht. Some system of delegated powers proposed.

Athbhreithniú ...Review

Prionsabail…Prionsabail… Principles…Principles… Reachtaíocht shoiléir, láidir

riachtanach le cearta teanga a chosaint..seachas a theorannú.

Is cearta iad cearta teanga agus ní gar iad a cheadaítear in aimsir na flúirse… buanchearta iad seachas pribhléidí nó fabhair.

Riachtanas é go mbeadh monatóireacht neamhspleách i gceist: “What gets measured, gets done!”

Tábhacht mhór le córas réitithe do ghearáin.

Sciath chosanta seachas claíomh.

Reachtaíocht shoiléir, láidir riachtanach le cearta teanga a chosaint..seachas a theorannú.

Is cearta iad cearta teanga agus ní gar iad a cheadaítear in aimsir na flúirse… buanchearta iad seachas pribhléidí nó fabhair.

Riachtanas é go mbeadh monatóireacht neamhspleách i gceist: “What gets measured, gets done!”

Tábhacht mhór le córas réitithe do ghearáin.

Sciath chosanta seachas claíomh.

Clear, strong legislation required to protect…rather than restrict language rights

Language rights are not favours granted in times of affluence…permanent rights, not privileges or favours

Independent monitoring is essential – “What gets measured, gets done!”

Complaints resolution mechanism is very important.

A shield not a sword.

Clear, strong legislation required to protect…rather than restrict language rights

Language rights are not favours granted in times of affluence…permanent rights, not privileges or favours

Independent monitoring is essential – “What gets measured, gets done!”

Complaints resolution mechanism is very important.

A shield not a sword.

Ceachtanna ...Lessons

Géarchéim…Géarchéim… Crisis…Crisis…

Croí-ghné den Acht Teanga – córas na scéimeanna teanga – fágtha i gcruachás cheal feidhmiú cuí… scéimeanna in éag gan athnuachan…easpa muiníne dá bharr.

Dul chun cinn rótheoranta, rómhall, gan straitéis chomhcheangailte.

Easpa tacaíochta d’fheidhmiú na reachtaíochta ag leibhéal sinsearach sa chóras poiblí….baol ann gur mar rud roghnach breise a fheictear an teanga...rómhinic feictear an Béarla mar theanga nádúrtha na hoibre.

Croí-ghné den Acht Teanga – córas na scéimeanna teanga – fágtha i gcruachás cheal feidhmiú cuí… scéimeanna in éag gan athnuachan…easpa muiníne dá bharr.

Dul chun cinn rótheoranta, rómhall, gan straitéis chomhcheangailte.

Easpa tacaíochta d’fheidhmiú na reachtaíochta ag leibhéal sinsearach sa chóras poiblí….baol ann gur mar rud roghnach breise a fheictear an teanga...rómhinic feictear an Béarla mar theanga nádúrtha na hoibre.

Core element of Language Act – the language schemes system – in crisis because of inadequate approach…schemes expired without renewal..consequent lack of confidence.

Progress is often too little, too late, no joined-up strategy .

Lack of champions to promote the legislation at senior level in public sector …unfortunately language is seen as an optional extra..too often English is seen as the ‘default’ setting

Core element of Language Act – the language schemes system – in crisis because of inadequate approach…schemes expired without renewal..consequent lack of confidence.

Progress is often too little, too late, no joined-up strategy .

Lack of champions to promote the legislation at senior level in public sector …unfortunately language is seen as an optional extra..too often English is seen as the ‘default’ setting

Ach… But…

Méadú ar: Méadú ar: Increase in:Increase in:

Seirbhísí áirithe stáit trí Ghaeilge

Feasacht teangaTuiscint ar chearta agus

ar dhualgais teangaFeiceálacht na teangaCumarsáid an Stáit leis

an bpobal i nGaeilgeAn creatlach reachtach

atá mar thaca don teanga

Seirbhísí áirithe stáit trí Ghaeilge

Feasacht teangaTuiscint ar chearta agus

ar dhualgais teangaFeiceálacht na teangaCumarsáid an Stáit leis

an bpobal i nGaeilgeAn creatlach reachtach

atá mar thaca don teanga

Certain state services through Irish

Language awarenessUnderstating of

language rights and obligations

Language visibilityState communication

trough Irish with publicLegal framework to

support language

Certain state services through Irish

Language awarenessUnderstating of

language rights and obligations

Language visibilityState communication

trough Irish with publicLegal framework to

support language

Dul chun cinn... Progress…

Bainfidh an pobal úsáid…Bainfidh an pobal úsáid… People will use…People will use… …as seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge má chuirtear

iad ar fáil ar an gcaighdeán céanna le seirbhísí trí Bhéarla..ach taithí an Bhéarla daingnithe.

Fágfaidh cuid mhór daoine a gcearta agus a mianta teanga ar leataobh mura gcuirtear seirbhísí ar fáil go follasach, toilteanach, fáilteach, oscailte .

Tá sé míréasúnta a bheith ag cur dualgas ar dhaoine an teanga a shealbhú agus ansin diúltú dóibh í a úsáid le déileáil le heagrais stáit.

Ní féidir seirbhísí stáit a chur ar fáil mar is ceart trí Ghaeilge gan foireann le Gaeilge a bheith fostaithe: ag an chéim earcaíochta is gá sin a áireamh.

Ní leor reachtaíocht teanga a achtú mura gcuirtear na córais agus na hacmhainní cearta ar fáil lena feidhmiú

…as seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge má chuirtear iad ar fáil ar an gcaighdeán céanna le seirbhísí trí Bhéarla..ach taithí an Bhéarla daingnithe.

Fágfaidh cuid mhór daoine a gcearta agus a mianta teanga ar leataobh mura gcuirtear seirbhísí ar fáil go follasach, toilteanach, fáilteach, oscailte .

Tá sé míréasúnta a bheith ag cur dualgas ar dhaoine an teanga a shealbhú agus ansin diúltú dóibh í a úsáid le déileáil le heagrais stáit.

Ní féidir seirbhísí stáit a chur ar fáil mar is ceart trí Ghaeilge gan foireann le Gaeilge a bheith fostaithe: ag an chéim earcaíochta is gá sin a áireamh.

Ní leor reachtaíocht teanga a achtú mura gcuirtear na córais agus na hacmhainní cearta ar fáil lena feidhmiú

…state services through Irish if they are provided at a similar standard to services through English…for too long the default setting

Many will leave their language rights and choices aside if services are not offered in a clear, welcoming, open, willing manner.

It is unreasonable to require people to acquire Irish and then to reject their efforts to use it with state organisations.

State services through Irish can not be provided adequately unless staff with Irish are employed and this ought be addressed at the recruitment stage.

Language legislation is insufficient if systems and resources are not provided for its implementation.

…state services through Irish if they are provided at a similar standard to services through English…for too long the default setting

Many will leave their language rights and choices aside if services are not offered in a clear, welcoming, open, willing manner.

It is unreasonable to require people to acquire Irish and then to reject their efforts to use it with state organisations.

State services through Irish can not be provided adequately unless staff with Irish are employed and this ought be addressed at the recruitment stage.

Language legislation is insufficient if systems and resources are not provided for its implementation.

Taithí …Experience

An reachtaíocht a leasú le go mbeidh sí…An reachtaíocht a leasú le go mbeidh sí…

To amend the legislation so as to make it…To amend the legislation so as to make it…

…oiriúnach dá feidhm le freastal go cuí ar mhianta phobal na teanga…go gcinnteofar go gcruthófar áit agus spás don teanga i saol poiblí na tíre agus go mbogfar í ón imeall go dtí áit níos lárnaí.

An bhfuiltear dáiríre faoi seo a dhéanamh? Beidh leide faoin dáiríreacht sin le feiceáil le 2 theist an-simplí…mo shlata tomhais féin: An gcinnteoidh an reachtaíocht

leasaithe go mbeidh Gaeilge ag fostaithe an Stáit a bheidh ag freastal ar phobal na Gaeltachta, gan cheist, gan choinníoll?

An ndéileálfar sa reachtaíocht le ceist na teanga in earcaíocht foirne don chóras poiblí i gcoitinne?

…oiriúnach dá feidhm le freastal go cuí ar mhianta phobal na teanga…go gcinnteofar go gcruthófar áit agus spás don teanga i saol poiblí na tíre agus go mbogfar í ón imeall go dtí áit níos lárnaí.

An bhfuiltear dáiríre faoi seo a dhéanamh? Beidh leide faoin dáiríreacht sin le feiceáil le 2 theist an-simplí…mo shlata tomhais féin: An gcinnteoidh an reachtaíocht

leasaithe go mbeidh Gaeilge ag fostaithe an Stáit a bheidh ag freastal ar phobal na Gaeltachta, gan cheist, gan choinníoll?

An ndéileálfar sa reachtaíocht le ceist na teanga in earcaíocht foirne don chóras poiblí i gcoitinne?

…fit for purpose to adequately serve the needs of the language community...to create a place and space for the language in public affairs and to move it from the margins to the mainstream.

Will it be taken seriously? A hint at the seriousness of the effort will come from 2 simple tests…my personal yardsticks:

Will the amended legislation ensure that state employees serving the Gaeltacht communities are Irish speaking without question or conditions?

Will the new legislation address the issue of language in recruitment to the public service in general?

…fit for purpose to adequately serve the needs of the language community...to create a place and space for the language in public affairs and to move it from the margins to the mainstream.

Will it be taken seriously? A hint at the seriousness of the effort will come from 2 simple tests…my personal yardsticks:

Will the amended legislation ensure that state employees serving the Gaeltacht communities are Irish speaking without question or conditions?

Will the new legislation address the issue of language in recruitment to the public service in general?

Dúshlán…Challenge

Mura féidir…Mura féidir… If not…If not…

Mura féidir an dá ghné sin a chur san Acht leasaithe, faraor, beidh an baol ann gur mugadh magadh, bríolla brealla nó bréaga atá i gceist.

Agus go bhfeicfear go bhfuil sé fabhtach, faillíoch agus nach fada go ligfear i ndearmad é.

If those two elements are not addressed in the amended legislation, I fear it may be seen as a fudge, a farce or a falsehood.

And that it will be perceived as flawed, a failure and soon forgotten.

Toradh…Result

CEIST?CEIST? QUESTION?QUESTION? Ní féidir le haon Rialtas, reachtaíocht,

coimisinéir nó eagraíocht stáit leo féin teanga atá i mbaol a shábháil. Ach tá ról acu ar fad le chéile leis na coinníollacha a chothú le cabhrú leis an bpobal a dteanga dhúchais a chosaint agus a chur chun cinn.

Mhair an Ghaeilge anseo trí ghorta agus cogaí, trí cheannas eachtrach agus trí ghéarchéimeanna eacnamaíocha agus maireann sí fós mar theanga bheo, croí-chuid dár gcultúr agus dár bhféiniúlacht agus cuid d'oidhreacht an domhain mhóir. An dúshlán atá romhainn ná a chinntiú go gcothaíonn muid na coinníollacha, an áit agus an spás don teanga le go mairfidh sí i gcónaí. An bhfuil an cheannaireacht agus an cumas ionainn é sin a dhéanamh?

Ní féidir le haon Rialtas, reachtaíocht, coimisinéir nó eagraíocht stáit leo féin teanga atá i mbaol a shábháil. Ach tá ról acu ar fad le chéile leis na coinníollacha a chothú le cabhrú leis an bpobal a dteanga dhúchais a chosaint agus a chur chun cinn.

Mhair an Ghaeilge anseo trí ghorta agus cogaí, trí cheannas eachtrach agus trí ghéarchéimeanna eacnamaíocha agus maireann sí fós mar theanga bheo, croí-chuid dár gcultúr agus dár bhféiniúlacht agus cuid d'oidhreacht an domhain mhóir. An dúshlán atá romhainn ná a chinntiú go gcothaíonn muid na coinníollacha, an áit agus an spás don teanga le go mairfidh sí i gcónaí. An bhfuil an cheannaireacht agus an cumas ionainn é sin a dhéanamh?

No Government, legislation, commissioner or state agency can – of their own – save a threatened language. However, all have a role to play together to create the conditions to facilitate the public in promoting and protecting their native language.

In Ireland, Irish has survived through famine and wars, foreign occupation and past economic turmoil and still remains a living language, a core part of our culture and identity and part of world heritage… the challenge is to ensure that we create the conditions, the place and the space for its continued existence. Do we have the leadership and capacity to address this?

No Government, legislation, commissioner or state agency can – of their own – save a threatened language. However, all have a role to play together to create the conditions to facilitate the public in promoting and protecting their native language.

In Ireland, Irish has survived through famine and wars, foreign occupation and past economic turmoil and still remains a living language, a core part of our culture and identity and part of world heritage… the challenge is to ensure that we create the conditions, the place and the space for its continued existence. Do we have the leadership and capacity to address this?

Focal scoir...And finally