Department of Irish is urged

Conradh na Gaeilge has urged Fianna Fail to make its Irish language policy "an integral part" of the programme for the incoming…

Conradh na Gaeilge has urged Fianna Fail to make its Irish language policy "an integral part" of the programme for the incoming Government, writes Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill, Irish Language Editor.

The party's general election manifesto said a Fianna Fail Government would set up the office of an Ombudsman for Irish, and a resources centre for Irish-medium schooling. It also promised to ensure that independent radio stations would provide a specific amount of Irish broadcasts and measures to develop cultural tourism in Gaeltacht areas.

The Conradh called on the incoming Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to recognise the importance of the language by re-establishing a separate Department for the Gaeltacht and Irish-language affairs.