Thursday, September 2, 2010

A ministerial visit!

Minister Carey, TD visits a meeting of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge.

Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey TD, visited a meeting last night of the member organisations of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge.

Aire Pat CareyComhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge is the central steering council for the Irish language community, and currently comprising 24 member organisations, representing all fields of the Irish language voluntary sector around the country.

Representatives of the member organisations of An Chomhdháil gave an account of the work they undertake, along with the opportunities and the challenges they face. Further discussion on the work of the voluntary sector ensued, along with discussion of the current uncertainty in relation to funding.

President of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Dr. Helen Ó Murchú, said the organisations were open to change, and were ready to play their role in the implementation of the Government’s 20 Year Strategy on the Irish Language 2010-2030. She noted, however, that the context within which the organisations are operating is constantly changing, and the sector requires some assurance of their future funding.

Minister Carey spoke of the importance of the voluntary sector in general, and gave high praise to the Irish language voluntary sector for their great achievements in the promotion of the Irish language, and the continual development of Irish language services.

Speaking on the future of the Irish language, Minister Carey said: “The Government has a long-term strategy pertaining to the Irish language. Ambitious goals are laid out in the strategy, and the Government will be relying on partnerships with the Irish language sector in order to achieve these goals, and to fully implement the Strategy”.

Dr. Ó Murchú presented the Minister with a report on the work of the member organisations of An Chomhdháil, and Pádraig Mac Criostail, Director of An Chomhdháil presented Minister Carey with a gold Fáinne, in recognition of the Minister’s support for the promotion of the Irish language.

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