AQO 1053/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the work of the Department on an Irish Language Strategy.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 17 October 2024
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 17 October 2024
- Answer due by
- 4 November 2024
- Answered
- 4 November 202418 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 4 November 2024. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr Lyons
Work is progressing on the development of the Executive's Irish language strategy. Owing to the cross-cutting nature of the strategy, a cross-departmental working group of senior officials from Departments is considering the Irish language strategy co-design group's proposed strategy and action plan, which are being developed in parallel with an Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture strategy and action plan. Alongside the work of that cross-departmental working group, I am considering the next steps in the development of both strategies and action plans. I will then engage with Executive colleagues to ask them to consider and, if content, agree those next steps.
Ms Bradshaw
Thank you, Minister, for your answer. What conversations have you had with the Executive Office on the new bodies and roles that are being established, particularly that of the Irish language commissioner?
Mr Lyons
I have not had any discussions yet with the First Minister or deputy First Minister on that issue.
Mr McGlone
How many times has the working group that you referred to actually met? What is its timetable for a product?
Mr Lyons
We love to ask questions about meetings in this place. I do not have information on the exact number of meetings that have taken place, but I will happily provide that to the Member.
Mr Gildernew
Minister, do you plan to meet Conradh na Gaeilge or other Irish language groups on the Irish language strategy?
Mr Lyons
I am more than happy to consider all invites that come in. Depending on how the work progresses, I will determine whether it would be useful or necessary for me or my officials to have such a meeting.
Mr Brett
Minister, do you agree that all minority languages are important in Northern Ireland, and that there is a clear focus by some elements in the House to pick out one language and not focus on the clear agreements that were made that all languages would be treated fairly and equitably here in Northern Ireland?
Mr Lyons
That is absolutely right. It is important that we treat all languages equally. In the past, agreements were in place in that regard. Of course, one of the other things that I have been able to take forward is sign language legislation. We love to talk about diversity and inclusion, but that group has often felt left out. I am making progress to ensure that they have the ability to take part fully in society.