It is a matter of concern that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael did not include the Irish language and Gaeltacht commitments in the Programme for Government as specifically sought by the public.
While some of the commitments sought by us can be seen reflected in the targets included in the new Programme for Government, they are included with weaker, more ambiguous language and, in many cases, without any measurable outcomes attached.
Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge said:
“Although the commitments are not as strong as we called for, we recognise that some of them could have merit and potential benefits, depending on their implementation. For example, the goal to work towards aligning the Irish language curriculum from primary to third level with the Common European Framework of Reference and the commitment to introduce special development plans in the Gaeltacht with specific housing targets. Effective implementation and a proactive approach will be critical to ensuring the success of these measures.”
Julian de Spáinn, General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge said:
"Certain other goals in the new Programme for Government represent a step backward from what was included in the 2020 Programme for Government. For instance, in 2020, the Government’s target was to double the number of students in Irish-medium education; now, the new Programme merely mentions meeting parental demand for Irish-medium education. That commitment to meet parental demand has existed since the adoption of the Government Statement on the Irish language in 2006, yet no Government has delivered on it since. Our counterparts in Wales are working towards increasing the number of students in Welsh-medium education from 23% to 40% by 2050. Unfortunately, here in Ireland, we have taken a step backwards in the new Programme for Government, and the Government should acknowledge, revise, and adopt an ambitious approach similar to that of Wales.
We are calling on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to appoint a Senior Minister who will be directly responsible for Irish language and Gaeltacht affairs, rather than a Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht. The need for a Senior Minister is greater now than ever before, to implement the goals in the new Programme for Government regarding the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, to provide equitable resources, and to include the other commitments that were sought by the Irish language and Gaeltacht community, but were left out of the new Programme for Government, in the Government’s work over the next five years.”
