Irish Language Act

Background

The St Andrews Agreement  (October 2006) states that the "Government will introduce an Irish Language Act reflecting on the experience of Wales and Ireland and work with the incoming Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language".

Consultation Paper on Proposed Irish Language for Northern Ireland (December 2006)

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure published its consultation paper on proposed Irish language legislation on 13th December 2006. The purpose of the consultation document was to seek views on the nature and content of possible Irish language legislation.  A second paper focussing on the equality impact of a number of specific areas was publishd on 19th January.

The consultation period closed on Friday 2nd March 2007, and on Friday 9th March 2007 for responses to the 2nd EQIA document.

Irish Language Legislation for Northern Ireland (March 2007)

On Tuesday 13th March 2007, the Department published a further paper, seeking views on indicative draft clauses. The consultation closed on Tuesday 5th June 2007.

Copies of all responses to both consultations referred to above will be available by Christmas 2007.

CURRENT DOCUMENTS

A copy of the statement by Edwin Poots MLA, Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to the Northern Ireland Assembly on the proposal to introduce Irish Language legislation (16th October 2007) is available here - minister_s_statement.pdf (35.7KB)

A copy of the Consultation Paper (13th March 2007) on Proposed Irish Language Legislation for Northern Ireland - Summary of Responses (October 2007) is available here - summary_of_2nd_consultation.pdf (455KB)