Just hours after criticisms by Irish language groups of the latest delay over introducing an Irish Language Act in the North of Ireland a leading European watchdog has also added its concerns over language policy on the Celtic languages.
The Council of Europe (CoE), the 46 Nation group which sets and monitors standards in relation to all aspects of political and public life, democracy and human rights in its member States, says the British Government should be doing more to support the Irish language.
The reprimand however is not only confined to Gaelic provision in the North of Ireland but also proposes greater support for Scottish Gaelic and Welsh.
This latest report has been drawn up by a committee of independent experts which monitors the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
On the basis of this report, the Committee of Ministers of the CoE has called on the UK to create and implement comprehensive education policies for the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages, and to further develop education in Welsh. It is specifically asking the UK Government to:
- develop a comprehensive Irish language policy - give more support for the printed media in Irish and Scottish Gaelic - improve services in Welsh in health and social care facilities
The full report and recommendations can be found (in pdf form) at:
(voir le site) nority_languages/2_monitoring/2.4_Committee_of_Ministers%27_Recommendations/UK_C M_Rec2.pdf
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
17/03/07
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