Passing of Irish language legislation hailed as ‘hugely momentous’

A local councillor and Gaeilgeoir has welcomed the passing of Irish language legislation as a “hugely momentous occasion and historic turning point in the campaign for equality”.

Last week, the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill received Royal assent, and it grants the Irish language official status in Northern Ireland.

It will also lead to the appointment of Irish and Ulster Scots/Ulster British commissioners.

The legislation was part of the New Decade New Approach deal aimed at restoring Stormont in 2020, but was introduced at Westminster due to a failure to introduce it at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Sinn Féin Councillor Chris McCaffrey said the Irish language community had been campaigning for decades for these rights.

“I want to pay tribute to An Dream Dearg, Conradh na Gaeilge and all the other organisations and activists and community pioneers who have been struggling and advocating for these language rights throughout the years,” he said.

“Despite continuous efforts … to block, ban and even extinguish the Irish language, it has flourished and is going from strength to strength and growing each year.

“This act should have been delivered through Stormont, as numerous agreements were signed up to and then reneged upon by one party; however, it must be said that it is also somewhat ironic that this meant that the King of England eventually had to enact this legislation, overturning one of the last Penal Laws – the Administration of Justice Act, from 1737 – which banned Irish being used in courtrooms.

‘History correcting itself’

“So, rather than history repeating itself, this is history correcting itself,” said Councillor McCaffrey.

He called for the immediate and full implementations of this act, including the appointment of an Irish language commissioner and proper provision for the language.

He also said the British government needs to be held to account and “ensure it keeps its word”.

“I am confident that we are witnessing the arrival of a new era for An Ghaeilge, and as the seanfhocal says, ‘labhair í agus mairfidh sí’, ‘speak it and it will flourish’.”