What’s the Story? Céard é an Scéal?
Public support for the Irish language is undeniable: new research published by Conradh na Gaeilge
The full report can be found at this link..
Nearly two thirds of those surveyed in the south agree that there should be a comprehensive policy that links the teaching of Irish throughout the duration of the educational cycle – from pre-school to Primary to Secondary through to University according to “Céard é an Scéal?”, a newly published research report conducted by Conradh na Gaeilge, with Kantar Millward Brown. The report will be launched today at Seimineár an Oireachtais, at the Oireachtas na Samhna 2019 festival in Citywest Hotel.
“Céard é an Scéal?” is a series of research reports that investigates public opinions towards the Irish language across the country.
The highlights of Kantar Millward Brown’s survey findings include:
- 53% in the south and 40% in the north agreed that there should be support available to help raise children through Irish
- 54% in the south and 36% in the north agreed Gaeltacht scholarships for adults should be made available
- 17% in the south and 5% in the north have requested services as Gaeilge from the state
- 64% in the south agreed that Irish should remain a core subject in the Leaving Certificate (only 14% disagreed)
According to Dr. Niall Comer, President of Conradh na Gaeilge;
“When Conradh na Gaeilge began Céard é an Scéal 5 years ago, we set ourselves the task of asking the people of Ireland open and honest questions, to those who speak the Irish language and those who do not. They were questions about the state of the Irish language in Ireland and about the general public's views about the language. Despite recognising the challenges that the people of Ireland face in relation to the language, it is clear that the people of Ireland are keen to preserve and promote the most valuable part of our heritage - to do so based on plans and strategies agreed by the public and for the benefit of all those with an interest in the Irish language. In times of uncertainty we need to be more organized than ever. Elections are on the way and it is clear from the achievements of Conradh na Gaeilge in conjunction with the Irish language community that we can have a positive impact on the decisions made by both governments, North and South, in relation to the language. It is more important than ever that we stand together as a community and that we challenge the inattention and indifference.”
As well as the surveys conducted by Kantar Millward Brown, based on answers from the general public in the south and in the north, Caoimhín Ó Cadhla, Research and Analysis Executive spoke to parents, young people and the public in general, in order to gather a deeper understanding of the opinions conveyed in the public survey.
Caoimhín Ó Cadhla Research and Analysis Executive of Conradh na Gaeilge says;
"It is very important that we know the opinions of the Irish language community and the public in general regarding Irish language issues. From the information that we have received, for which we are grateful for the assistance of Kantar Millward Brown, we now know that there is strong support for the Irish language remaining as a core subject in the Leaving Certificate in the south. 17% of the public have requested a service through Irish from the state in the south and this gives good grounds to the recommendation for the Official Languages Bill that 20% of new entrants in the Public Service be bilingual."
The report will be available online and booklets will be available from Conradh na Gaeilge’s stand at Oireachtas na Samhna 2019 in the Citywest Hotel.
MORE INFORMATION
Caoimhín Ó Cadhla
Research and Analysis Executive
089 4211975
Róisín Ní Mhaoláin
Communications Executive
(01) 475 7401
Notes to the editor:
Additional information with regard to the Kantar Millward Brown survey:
- An Island of Ireland study was conducted by Kantar Millward Brown on behalf of Conradh na Gaeilge.
- The topics covered included respondents’ relationship with the Irish language, attitudes towards official Irish language policy, interest in speaking the language and Bliain na Gaeilge.
- Interviews were conducted face-to-face, in-home, with those aged 16+ in both the south and north of Ireland.
- Quota controls were set on gender, age, social class and region to mirror the population profile of both the south and the north of Ireland. In addition, religious affiliation was identified in the north.
- 1,011 interviews were conducted at 66 sampling points in the south and 1,022 interviews were conducted in the north at 60 points.
- Interviews were carried out between 23rd January and 6th February (south) and between the 18th February and 8th March (north).
- Data was weighted to reflect the adult population aged 16+.
- The margin of error for this opinion poll is +/- 3.1% in both regions.
- The poll was conducted in accordance with the guidelines set by ESOMAR and AIMRO (European and Irish Market and Opinion Research governing bodies). Extracts from the report may be quoted or published on condition that due acknowledgement is given to Kantar Millward Brown and Conradh na Gaeilge.
