MINISTER FOR the Gaeltacht Pat Carey has criticised some of the English language media for not recognising the Irish language question as one of national importance.
In a discussion paper prepared as part of work on the Government’s 20-year strategy for the Irish language, Mr Carey said the native language is sometimes not treated with the seriousness it deserves. The general attitude to the language was very positive at present because of the influence of TG4, the burgeoning of the Gaelscoil movement and other positive developments. But he said this is not reflected in media coverage, which either ignores the issue or downplays it.
“All evidence suggests that the vast majority of the Irish people place a huge importance on the language. However, this is not always reflected in the coverage given to language issues in much, if not all, of the English language media.”
Mr Carey said he was not suggesting newspapers fill their pages with “puff pieces and good news stories” about the Irish language.
“I do, however, believe that our national discourse would be better served if this question was afforded the same level of seriousness and objectivity as other important issues.”
He said that when Irish language issues have been covered, it has often been in a cursory fashion or in a manner that doesn’t display the same objectivity or rigour that is demanded when other issues are discussed. “I think that in this respect the media are out of step with the Irish people as research shows that the Irish language is a matter of national importance for the majority of our citizens.”