Irish Language Supporters Take To The Streets of Dublin on 15 February

In an article under the headline " Is the State Supporting the Irish Language - The Irish State is Neglecting It's Constitutional Duty to Protect and Promote the Irish Language, Especially its Native Speakers", the Galway Independent have published an article written by Julian de Spainn, General Secretary of the Conradh na Gaelige (Gaelic League) in which he defends the resignation of the Irish Language Commissioner Sean O' Cuirreain, attacks the current government for its failure to support the Irish tongue and announces a demonstration to be held in Dublin on 15 February to support the rights of Irish speakers.   The outgoing Language Commissioner O' Cuirreain made the following statement in connection with his resignation: "For those who believe in language rights for Gaeltacht (Irsh Speaking Language Area) communities and for Irish speakers in general this is a time of great uncertainty. I have always held the opinion that the support required for the Irish language within this country’s public service should not and could not be viewed as an optional extra. Language rights are permanent rights; they are not concessions or privileges granted at times of prosperity. If the State cannot provide assurances, when the language legislation is being amended, that it will ensure that it can communicate in Irish with Gaeltacht communities without terms and conditions and that it will have adequate staff in public administration with proficiency in Irish, then I believe that its policy will be viewed as a sham." 

The Gaelic League (Conradh na Gaelige) is the main voluntary community organisation that promotes the Irish language in Ireland and abroad.  It's main aim is to reinstate the Irish language as the common tongue of Ireland.  Since it's founding in 1893, members have been actively promoting Irish in every aspect of life in Ireland, from legal and educational affairs to the development of media and services through Irish.  Members of the Gaelic League are in the forefront of campaigns to strengthen the rights of the Irish speaking community. 

" The upcoming language rights’ campaign will see Irish speakers take to the streets of Dublin on Saturday 15 February, to celebrate the language and to demand equality for Irish speakers. Providing services in Irish for those who wish to avail of their language rights does not mean that those who choose to use English in Ireland will be marginalised in any way; it is not a case of “Them” versus “Us”. The vast majority of the country supports the Irish language, and three out of ten people on the island of Ireland can speak some Irish.  As a nation, we need to ensure that our State deals with anyone choosing to use Irish with the public service in the same fair and efficient manner as they would be if they used English. Equality for one, equality for all. Ní neart go cur le chéile. "

Julian de Spáinn is Ard-Rúnaí / General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge since 2007 

http://www.gaelport.com/conradhnagaeilgeeng

http://www.galwayindependent.com/20140129/opinion/is-the-state-supporting-the-irish-language-S30760.html