25 February 2025

SDLP Irish Language Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA has offered the party’s support to groups across Ireland taking half-day strike action to call for fair investment in the Irish language.

He was speaking ahead of the action on Wednesday.

Mr McGlone also welcomed the confirmation the UK Government would repeal a 300-year-old ban on the Irish language being used in courts in the North.

Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said:

“It’s very disappointing that Irish language and Gaeltacht groups have been forced to take this action in an attempt to reverse short-sighted cuts to Foras na Gaeilge. Since being set up following the Good Friday Agreement this organisation has done fantastic work to advance the Irish language right across this island. It’s due to the work of groups like Foras na Gaeilge that we have seen the sustained growth in interest in the language over the past decade.

“The Irish Government and Executive must recognise the contribution of Foras na Gaeilge and provide them with the funding they need to carry on their important work. An organisation cannot prosper when dealing with financial uncertainty and we need a long-term funding plan in place. There is broad agreement for a new funding model between the governments and no party can be allowed to stop this from proceeding.

“This action comes as we receive confirmation that the UK Government will finally remove laws banning the use of Irish in courts here -Más mall is mithid. This is a historic moment and credit must go to the Irish language campaigners who fought so hard to see this overturned. I have already submitted an Assembly question pressing the Justice Minister to confirm when measures will be introduced to allow the use of Irish in our legal spaces – we have waited long enough.”