01/06/2004
Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.
The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Pat The Cope Gallagher, T.D., has announced his intention to establish an advisory group to encourage and promote the use of Irish in local authorities. The Minister acknowledged the goodwill that traditionally existed towards the Irish language among both the elected members and employees of local authorities who were, for many years, assisted in this work by the former Grúpa Stiúrhta na Gaeilge sa tSeirbhis Rialtais Aitiúil.
"The activities of local authorities affect the lives of everyone. I want to ensure that anyone who wishes to conduct their business with local authorities through the medium of Irish is facilitated to do so. Also, I believe that there is scope for greater use of Irish in the internal workings of local authorities" the Minster said.
With the passing of the Local Government Act, 2001 the opportunity now exists to give statutory recognition to measures to encourage the use of Irish in local authorities. The Act contains a general power to enable local authorities to take such steps as they consider appropriate to encourage the use of the Irish language. It also provides that the Minister shall issue, or arrange for the issue, to local authorities of guidelines, codes or practice or other guidance as regards the use of the Irish language in local government either generally or in respect of aspects of local authority functions.
The proposed advisory group which is provided for under the Act, must include at least a local authority member, a manager or other employee of a local authority, an officer of the Minister and two persons from organisations concerned with the promotion of the Irish language. This Group, which the Minister proposes to appoint soon after the local elections, will have an important role in assisting the Minister to discharge his functions under the Act and in assisting local authorities to meet their obligations under the Official Languages Act, 2003.
1/6/04