The gathering of Fram na Gaeltachta in Connemara this weekend marks a significant occasion in the on-going struggle to ensure the survival of arguably our most precious cultural resource - An Ghaeltacht. It is to the credit of all concerned that, for the first time, a community-based Gaeltacht organisation has given a national voice to all its scattered regions. Given that there are gaeltacht districts in seven different counties, the forum provides a nationwide platform for local people - through their organisations and as individuals - to meet and to discuss in their native tongue the common problems which they face. Equally important, the forum ensures that agreed policies are put before those institutions which influence issues, such as education, health, planning and language, and which impact on the lives of all Gaeltacht residents.
Few Irish speakers will deny the parlous state of the language in some "official" Gaeltacht areas. Yet, even the weakest of these contains native speakers of ability and talent. The language, while battered and bruised, has maintained its integrity, is a distinctive voice amongst the languages of the world, and continues to be a creative medium for writers, poets, journalists and, most importantly of all, for communities. That the language has made great strides in some areas outside of the Gaeltacht is indisputable. Yet, an Irish-language movement without a vibrant Gaeltacht is of little value. Fundamentally, it is the Gaeltacht which gives authority to the Irish-language movement throughout the island.
Without doubt, the subject of legislation will be a topic of keen debate amongst the delegates this week end. Regrettably the Government has still failed to publish its Language Bill. The bill, which aims to provide services in the State sector for Irish-speakers, is regarded by many as being the single most important piece of linguistic legislation since the foundation of the State. Despite promises that it would be published by this autumn, it has been postponed until the beginning of 2002. Will it emerge even then and what hope is there that it will be enacted during this Government's lifetime?