Irish speakers 'not seeking special privileges'

Ireland's first language rights charter detailing ten basic rights accorded in law to Irish speakers in dealing with State organisations was published in Galway this afternoon.

An Coimisinéir Teanga (the Irish language commissioner) Seán Ó Cuirreáin published the charter ahead of the full implementation of the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003.

Irish speakers have the right to use Irish in any court, in the Houses of the Oireachtas, in correspondence, and in specific key documents issued by State organisations.

The Charter will be distributed to all State organisations, schools, libraries and other public buildings.

Mr Ó Cuirreáin said Irish speakers "simply want to access State services in their language of choice, in a manner similar to those whose language of choice is English."

"Irish speakers neither require nor desire any special privileges in their dealings with state organisations," he said.

Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla was created to supervise and monitor the Official Languages Act 2003 and to ensure that it is implemented.  The main objective of the Act is to provide a wider range of services through Irish from the public service.