Write a commentA delegation from Conradh na Gaeilge met yesterday at Stormont with DUP leader Arlene Foster and other members of the DUP to discuss an Irish Language Act. Conradh na Gaeilge have produced a discussion document debunking myths surrounding the provision of an act including costings. They estimate it would cost 9 million in total over a five year period.
The Conradh na Gaeilge delegation included Newry man Dr Niall Comer (President) Julian de Spáinn (Ard-Rúnaí), Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin (Advocacy Manager), Michaeline Donnelly (Local Tyrone Development Officer) and Dr Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh (Communications).
Dr Niall Comer, President of Conradh na Gaeilge says “Conradh na Gaeilge was happy to meet with the DUP and Arlene Foster today. Today’s meeting was a useful one, one in which we put across our proposals for an Irish Language Act and their associated costs as is laid out in the discussion document. I believe we got a good hearing and we are hoping that the DUP will support an Irish Language Act after contemplating what we discussed with them today. The Irish Language Community have been waiting too long for the state to bring in legislation that will protect these language-related human rights – the talks period is almost over, and now is the time for action.”
Conradh na Gaeilge has also contacted the new UUP leader Robin Swann requesting a meeting to discuss this further:
Check out their discussion document at https://cnag.ieBhuail toscaireacht de chúigear ó Chonradh na Gaeilge le ceannaire an DUP Arlene Foster ag Stormont tráthnóna inniu (27 Aibreán 2017).
Mar chuid de thoscaireacht Chonradh na Gaeilge bhí; Dr Niall Comer (Uachtarán), Julian de Spáinn (Ard-Rúnaí), Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin (Bainisteoir Abhcóideachta), Michaeline Donnelly (Craobh Phobal ar a’n Iúl) agus Dr Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh (Feidhmeannach Cumarsáide).
Bhí Arlene Foster, Edwin Poots, David Graham agus Chris Stalford i láthair thar cheann an pháirtí.
Deir Dr Niall Comer, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge “Bhí Conradh na Gaeilge sásta bualadh leis an DUP agus Arlene Foster inniu. Is cruinniú úsáideach a bhí againn inniu inar chuir muid ár moltaí maidir le hAcht Gaeilge os comhair an pháirtí; agus na costais a bhaineann leo, faoi mar atá sa phlé-cháipéis. Creidim go bhfuair muid éisteacht mhaith agus tá muid ag súil go dtacóidh an DUP leis an Acht Gaeilge i ndiaidh machnamh a dhéanamh ar an mhéid ar phléigh muid leo inniu. Tá pobal na Gaeilge ag fanacht ró-fhada leis an stát reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach a dhéanfaidh cosaint ar na cearta daonna seo i leith na teanga; tá aimsir na gcruinnithe beagnach thart agus anois am don ghníomh.”
