'Historic' recruitment of Irish language commissioner in NI to begin

Stormont has announced that it will begin recruiting an Irish language commissioner in the coming days.

It comes a day after a United Nations committee criticised the Northern Executive for failing to make progress on the issue.

The commissioner role and other moves to recognise Irish were key commitments in the New Decade, New Approach agreement of 2020 which restored power-sharing after a three year hiatus following a Sinn Féin withdrawal.

It was given effect with the passing of legislation at Westminster in 2022, following a failure to reach agreement at Stormont.

But despite the passing of the law, there was no movement on the establishment of an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression or appointment of language commissioners due to another collapse of power-sharing when the DUP pulled out of the institutions over post-Brexit trading arrangements.

The Irish language commissioner’s main role will be to advise and set standards for public bodies on how they use Irish and investigate complaints when the organisations fall short of services to its speakers.

A commissioner will also be appointed for Ulster Scots and British identity.

Both appointments require the approval of the first and deputy first ministers who will also have input into how the offices function.

Advertisements for the jobs will appear online and in newspapers in the coming days.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "I am delighted to announce the launch of the appointments process for the Irish Language Commissioner and Ulster Scots Commissioner.

"They are integral to delivering the Identity and Language Act and I want to welcome the progress on this issue.

“I am committed to supporting, celebrating and promoting the richness and diversity of our languages and culture.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "These appointments are the next step when it comes to establishing the new identity and language bodies.

“We want to encourage as many applications as possible to maximise the opportunities presented to support our rich heritage and identity”

Sinn Féin MLA Aisling Reilly welcomed the announcement, saying it is "hugely welcome for Gaeilgeoirí and represents another step in the right direction towards building a society underpinned by rights and respect for all.

“The commissioner will play a leading role in enhancing and protecting the language in our public services and everyday life.”

It was also welcomed by Irish language group An Dream Dearg, which campaigned vociferously for a commissioner.

On social media, it described the move as an “historic development … one that many told us would never come to pass”.

The group said it is “a huge victory for the grassroots #Achtanois campaign for rights, respect and recognition” and “a very significant milestone” as well as “the beginning now of a new chapter”.