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THE UK GOVERNMENT will be introducing legislation around culture, identity and language for Northern Ireland if progress is not made in Stormont, a minister has said.
As MPs held a debate on the Irish diaspora in Britain to mark St Patrick’s Day, the Government was asked to give an update on the future of an Irish language act for Northern Ireland.
Government minister Maria Caulfield, who spoke about being a second-generation Irish, told the Commons that the Government’s preference is that the Northern Ireland executive brings forward the legislation.
However, she stressed that if progress is not made, the Government has already been taking the necessary steps to introduce the act in the Westminster Parliament.
SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Dunbartonshire) asked: “The complexity and history of these islands – and it is appropriate we mention it today – is an opportunity to build on the strength and diversity and the opportunity for governments across these islands to work together and that was noted in the St Andrews Agreement.
“I just wonder if the minister, in summing up, would make any notification or give the House an idea about progress on an Irish language act or in terms of the new deal, in terms of opportunities, to support and promote the Irish language in Northern Ireland?”
Caulfield replied: “So, the Government’s preference is that the Northern Ireland executive brings forward the legislation in the Northern Ireland Assembly, but in the absence of any progress on that, the Government has been taking the necessary steps to introduce the legislation in Parliament.
“The legislation will faithfully deliver what was agreed in the New Decade New Approach (NDNA) Agreement on commitments on identity, language and culture, and to provide for the status of the Irish language and the development of the Ulster Scots and the artists of British tradition, and create the two commissioners and an Office of Identity and Culture Expression as negotiated with the executives.”
She added: “So, we want the Northern Ireland executive to do that, but the Government is committed to introduce that if progress isn’t being made.”
The debate also saw British-Irish shadow minister Conor McGinn opening and closing his speech in Gaelic.
The MP for St Helens North added: “Where previously there was suspicion and mistrust, today there are friendship and co-operation between the United Kingdom and Ireland. There is no longer any contradiction in being Irish and British.
“I’m having feelings of loyalty and affinity to both countries. The contribution made by the Irish in Britain to society here has helped make that possible. It is valued and respected and has helped to make this country the great nation that is.”
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Just bring it in already. 5000+ days and counting qnd we’re still waiting
@Séan Ó Nuanáin: after 100 years of partition and a few hundred of occupation. It will happen.
How can the Russian and Ukrainian people ever get on
N Ireland should embrace its Irish heritage. Otherwise they can never understand where words like Belfast , from the original Irish name Béal Feirste meaning Mouth of the sea, Derry from Doire meaning Oak trees, Coleraine from Cúil Rathain meaning nook of the ferns; Omagh from An Òmaigh meaning the virgin plain and Armagh from Ard Mhacha meaning Macha’s height. All the topography of Ireland Is lost without an understanding of its Irish origins!
@Niall O’Reilly: so what? Does any of that knowledge put bread on anyones table? It’s just mildly interesting….for the few.
@Neil Neart: needs must I agree. Feed the stomach before feeding the brain. But without culture we are savages!
Anyone read the DUP’s contribution to the debate in their precious Parliament , along with their party’s leader comment on same ? Worth mentioning their seems to be a lot of the middle ground DUP’s Elected members literally jumping (off) the ship it’s been my suspicions that loyalists paramilitaries have been influencing & orchestrating behind the scenes in main stream politics causing problems for moderate Elected members these are the same loyalists paramilitaries involved in Drug Dealing & Extortion & intimidation the same filth who oppose Brexit Protocols & threaten the very fabric of the GFA
How can the Russian and Ukrainian people ever get on in the future if a so called western countries not get along
@Gerrard: don’t try and cross the two problems Gerrard, they are two very distinct troubles, one 30yrs behind the other. Ukraine deserves all the attention for the atrocities that are befalling it. They only wish they could be at the stage of b0llix0lgy that’s going on in Stormont & Westminster.
It’s sad that some in the loyalist community still have such little respect for the Irish language or culture. Conceding to more recognition for the language would be a good gesture of goodwill on their part, and might make them look slightly less like bigots.
@Ben Lally: it won’t take bread from anyone’s table.
@Neil Neart: it won’t take bread from anyone’s table.
It won’t take bread from anyone’s table.
Well, it won’t take bread from anyone’s table.
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