St Andrews says that, “The Government will introduce an Irish Language Act reflecting on the experience of Wales and Ireland and work with the incoming Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language”
Note the words “the Government” – i.e. not the Assembly. The Irish Language Act will go through Westminster – not Stormount – if the St Andrews Agreement is implemented in the form agreed to by the DUP.
What does “reflecting on the experience of Wales and Ireland” mean?
Well, the first thing that strikes me about this phrase is that it talks about “Ireland”. Ireland ceased to be a political unit when the border was drawn in the 1920s. It should be called the Republic of Ireland.
Then again – maybe not.
The proposed Irish Language Act has a model to work on – that in (the Republic of) Ireland. In the Republic you will notice the following things about Irish:
1. It is on all the road signs.
2. All government documents are in Irish as well as English.
3. You must be able to speak Irish to hold a government job.
4. Irish is taught in all the schools.
If this Act becomes law, the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic will be eroded. We will be much closer to being a political unit again.
It is unlikely (but not impossible) that measures three and four will be enforced in Northern Ireland but don’t be surprised if the first two measures are implemented.
One question remains unanswered - will Mr Robinson and co. have to learn Irish before they get their ministerial cars?
No comments:
Post a Comment