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26.4,12 - Did you know that you are entitled to services through Irish from councils, government and public bodies?

POBAL is spearheading a campaign, in partnership with the Irish speakers and Irish language groups, to create more efficient services for the Irish community from local councils, government departments and public bodies. Irish speakers are entitled to these services under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. You can: write letters and fill in application forms in Irish, make phone calls and speak with them in Irish, request a translator during meetings, request some official documents in Irish, use Irish language forms of personal names and use traditional versions of Irish language place names. Here are some of the departments and agencies who have to observe the Charter: government departments, local councils, health boards, health trusts, education and library boards, NI Museums Council, Arts Council NI, Sports Council NI, Waterways Ireland, NI Consumer Council, NI Harbour Commissions, NI Housing Executive, Community Relations Council, Inland Revenue, NI Court Service and the NI Tourist Board. POBAL is asking the Irish speaking community throughout the north to contact their local councils and government departments to demand these services. Find below a list of sample letters to help you, along with copies of POBAL's documents Know your Rights and Your Address in Irish.

Cáipéisí le hÍoslódáil: Litreacha samplacha anseo - Bíodh Eolas agat ar do Chuid Ceart - Do Sheoladh as Gaeilge

21.3.12 - POBAL meets the Department about Irish language broadcasting legislation

POBAL, the umbrella organisation for the Irish speaking community, wrote to Culture, arts and Leisure Minister, Caral Ní Chuilín, advising her to seek Irish language broadcasting legislation at Westminster. Janet Muller, POBAL's CEO said, 'Broadcasting is one of the matters which is reserved to Westminster, and therefore, even if there were good will at the NI Assembly level, only Westminster can take this issue forward. In UK broadcasting legislation there are significant references to Gaidhlig broadcasting in Scotland and Welsh language broadcasting in Wales, but not one single reference to Irish language broadcasting in the north. Arising from the contact with Minister Ní Chuilín, POBAL met with Paul Gamble, Head of the Department's Language Diversity Branch to further discuss the issue. The meeting was useful.' POBAL met British Under Secretary of State, Hugo Swire and also opposition Secretary of State, Vernon Coaker recently and the issue of Irish language broadcasting legislation was raised. Janet said, 'We will be seeking further follow-up meetings with both of them to progress this issue.'

21.2.12 - Have your say on Legislation and a Strategic Framework for the Irish Language

POBAL is currently organising a round of public meetings to consult with the community in order to discuss our updated proposals for the Irish language Act , and also to present the proposals of our Working Group on a Strategic Framework for the language. Janet said, 'The meetings give people the chance to discuss the draft proposals for the updated Irish Language Act and the Strategic Framework. people can also write to us if they prefer. All the documentation is on our website at www.pobal.org POBAL hopes to complete the consultation quite quickly so we can positively influence policy makers within the current short Assembly time frames. We should like people to send any submissions in to us asap, therefore, and we shall close the consultation on 26 th March. If this gives anyone particular problems, they can contact us about it.' The meetings are held bilingually and everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting already held in Belfast last week attracted a great crowd and other meetings will take place on:

Draft proposals and other related documentation can be downloaded here

23.1.12 - Súil Charad' exhibition back out on the road again in 2012

After a short break over Christmas, Súil Charad, the exhibition on Irish language publications from the past 200 years which has been put together by POBAL, is back out on the road again in 2012. A full, comprehensive schedule has been arranged for the exhibition this year, starting with an extended trip to Cookstown. On Monday 23rd January, Súil Charad was launched in Cookstown Library. Sean Clarke, chairman of Cookstown Council, welcomed the exhibition to the library. Amongst the audience were pupils from Scoil Mhuire, Pomeroy.
The exhibition will remain in Cookstown Library until Monday 6th February, when it will move to the Burnavon Centre, also in the town. Here is the timetable for the exhibition until the summer: 6th February: Burnavon centre, Cookstown - 24th February: University of Ulster at Magee, Derry - 9th March: Coláiste Chaitríona, Armagh - 19th March: Monaghan Library, Clones - 3rd April: Cavan Library - 16th April: Leitrim Library, Ballinamore - 30th April: Enniskillen - 14th May: Omagh library. Download a copy of the 'Súil Charad' exhibition booklet

17.1.12 - Council of Europe calls for Irish Language Act

International support for action on the Irish Language Act is reaching boiling point with the publication of the latest report of independent Council of Europe monitors. POBAL met with representatives of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities last year to inform them of the situation for the Irish language in the north since 2007. As a result of the evidence presented by the umbrella group, the Council of Europe has made 3 specific recommendations for immediate action regarding the UK application of this binding convention, including one which calls on the authorities to, 'Develop comprehensive legislation on the Irish language in Northern Ireland and take resolute measures to protect and implement more effectively the language rights of persons belonging to the Irish-speaking community.'

Janet Muller, CEO of POBAL said, 'It is highly significant, given the broad range of issues which the Advisory Committee have commented on throughout England, Scotland, Wales and the North, that they have focussed on the Irish language as a key matter for immediate resolution. This is the latest in a series of important international judgements in which POBAL has been involved with regarding Irish language rights here and we are pleased that our work has had such an impact. Following our major international event in Stormont in November on the Irish language Act, POBAL is currently updating our proposals for the Irish Language Act, and we shall be re-issuing the 2012 edition of the proposals for legislation shortly.' The Council of Europe Advisory Committee has also expressed concern about North-South Ministerial Council and Foras na Gaeilge proposals to end core funding for Irish language organisations, including POBAL. The criticism reflects widespread opposition from all the Irish language groups affected who believe that the proposal will lead to the closing down of key groups, the loss of Irish language advocacy and services and will cause lasting damage to the Irish language. Janet Muller said, 'There is a consultation currently underway on these proposals and it is crucial that the concern of international experts be taken extremely seriously by all those responsible for the current process.' The Advisory Committee comments also on the lack of movement on Irish language signage, in particular, the attitude of local Councils including Belfast City Council in respect of Irish language signage; the lack of permanent funding for the Irish language broadcast fund; and the need to recognise that positive actions taken to protect and promote Irish are in line with equality and best practice.
Download copy of the report here

5.12.11 - Education Minister praises POBAL's work

Irish Medium Education and Special Education Needs North and South. Maximising Learning and Resources.

The Minister for Education (DENI), John Ó Dowd praised the work being carried out by POBAL on the special educational needs of bilingual children during his speech at the conference organised by the Irish language advocacy group, on Thursday 1st December in the Seán Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry. There was a large, expert crowd of participants at the event, including representatives of the training colleges, educational psychologists, researchers, educators, teachers, and representatives from the Irish medium sector north and south. As well as the northern Minister, Diarmaid Dullaghan, senior inspector with the Department of Education and Skills in the south was present. At the event, participants focussed on sharing information and exploring ideas in relation to maximizing North/South cooperation in training and support for the Irish medium education sector throughout the country when providing for children with educational needs.

Janet Muller, POBAL's CEO gave some background information to the work that POBAL has been carrying out on special educational needs over the last ten years. She said, 'We recognise the good-will that exists in the sector towards all-Ireland co-operation in this specialist area. There are interesting opportunities to maximize resources but, as always, there are also some difficulties to overcome. We believe that it is possible to strengthen these links and find useful ways to share information on a more structured basis.' Caroline Nolan, researcher on the POBAL project, gave a brief outline of findings from the report, Special Education Needs in Irish medium schools: All-island research on the support and training needs of the sector , and then under the direction of Professor Dónall Ó Baoill, a lively debate ensued between the expert participants as they shared information and discussed possibilities. The conference was organised by POBAL with funding from COGG (An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaelscolaíochta agus Gaeltachta). Download copy of research report here

16.11.11 - Big Turnout for Pobal's Irish language event in Stormont

POBAL, the Irish language advocacy umbrella group, welcomed the interest expressed by a wide variety of cultural, social and political organisations in its Irish Language Act NI event in Stormont on November 16th. Chuir POBAL, in partnership with the Minister of Culture Carál Ní Chuilín and Basil McCrea MLA, Ulster Unionist Party, invitations out to a wide range of people and organisations. POBAL Chief Executive Janet Muller said, 'We were pleased with attendance at the event. We collected a large crowd of different people together. It was time to bring Irish speakers, international experts and representatives of civic society together to discuss local, national and international since the POBAL document Acht na Gaeilge TÉ / The Irish Language Act NI was published in 2006. In 2007 overwhelming support was given to our proposals in two government consultations. It's clear that the needs and opinions of Irish speakers should play a key role in shaping the legislation. In the period since the commitment to implement the Act was made, in other jurisdictions in these islands, legislative protection for indigenous languages has been improving, and we want to be sure that these changes are included in our work towards the I rish language Act.'

The Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said, ' Scots Gaelic and Welsh have been protected in legislation and I am keen to see Irish afforded the same status. I have directed my officials to begin work to develop a draft Irish Language Bill which would lead to an Act. Previous work carried out by the Department on this issue is being analysed and a scoping exercise is underway.' Among the keynote speakers at the event were be Professor Robert Dunbar (University of Aberdeen and the research project Soillse) and Professor Colin Williams (University of Cardiff), both of whom are recognised as international experts of the highest calibre. Janet Muller said, 'Both Professors Dunbar and Williams have helped advise on the drafting of language legislation in Scotland and Wales, and both have extensive international experience in Canada and the rest of Europe. Professor Williams is one of three experts who advised on the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language in the south of Ireland. Both brought great experience and expertise to the event.' In addition, Dominic Hannigan, the Chair of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement opened a panel discussion with speakers including Hywel Hughes, the Head of the Welsh language Courts Service in Wales, Alasdair MacCallum, Gaelic language Officer at the Scottish Parliament, Domhnall Mac Néil, CEO of Comann na Gaidhlig in Scotland and veteran researcher and author Helen Ó Murchú who spoke about Irish language legislation in the south.

In respect to the Government Draft Budget that was published on the day after the event, Janet Muller said she understands why the total costs were not included in the plan. 'We accept the information that has been coming to the Department, it is working on an evaluation of the current legislation and so the costs cannot be included ar present. At the same time, it surprises us that there is no reference to legislation in the draft, as it is clear that some form of costs will be needed for preparation and informing the public.' She added that she wrote to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny this week about the announcement from his government that the Language Commissioner's Office is to close. She said, 'This is an appalling proposal, which will damage the Irish language in the south and will badly affect the Irish language in the north as well. POBAL is strongly of the view that the Language Commissioner is needed to ensure that that language legislation is enforced.' The POBAL event was funded by Colmcille and Foras na Gaeilge.

10.10.11 - Rights & Revelry - The Biggest Irish Language Day of the Year!

A great day out was had by all on Sunday at POBAL's massive Rights and Revelry event in St George's Market, Belfast. Janet Muller, CEO POBAL said, 'Rights and Revelry has become the biggest single Irish language event of the year. It is a tribute to the support we have in the community that a tiny organisation like POBAL can organise such a huge gathering of people from far and near. For this one day, POBAL pulls together a unique mix of high octane Irish language arts, community celebration and a serious message –it is time for the Irish language Act. We couldn't do it without the input of numerous individuals and Irish language groups.'The event took place on the anniversary of the St Andrews' commitment to enact language legislation and the organisers are clear about its importance in giving Irish speakers and those who appreciate the language a chance to raise their voices for the promised Irish Language Act. Dozens of Irish groups came to celebrate their achievements and enjoy the sparkling line-up of Irish speaking artists and performers, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, arts and sport. Janet Muller said, 'People of all ages and from all walks of life took part in the event, which has a special atmosphere because of the venue. It's a pity that this may be the last time we can have such an event in the market, but Belfast City Council have decided that there will be no more public events on Sundays in the Market.' She said, 'St George's Market has a long historic association with the Irish language, so it will be sad not to be able to hold our event here again, but we certainly went out with a bang.'
Those appearing on the main stage on the day included Gaelic singers and musicians from Scotland. Mary-Ann Turner (Kennedy) and Maggie MacDonald who gave two workshops, one on Puirt a' Beul or Gaelic Mouth Music, and one on the Gaidhlig work song, 'Tweed waulking.' The dynamic Celtic Storm professional dancers set the stage on fire with their exciting dance routines, and acrobats Tumble Circus had the audience on the edge of their seats. Crowds of delighted children gathered to see the Fanzini Brothers, the Armagh Rhymers, juggling master Johnny Ó Phelan and stilt walker Ariel Killick – all of whom greeted and joked with their audience in Irish throughout the day. The children from Belfast Irish language schools who took to the stage from Gaelscoil Éanna in the North of the city, from Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh and from Bunscoil Phobail Feirste in West Belfast kept the 'ahh' factor high and radio and TV presenter, Rónán Mac Aoidh Bhuí, kept order for the day.POBAL thanked the project funders, National Lottery funds through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and from the Belfast City Council Good Relations programme, as well as from Colmcille, from Foras na Gaeilge and BRO. Janet Muller said, 'We had a fantastic day out with families and friends and even the odd politician or two who popped in to support the event! POBAL has once again put the Irish Language Act centre stage, and had a brilliant day out with the Irish language arts at the same time!' Downloads - Photos on Flickr

22.8.11 - POBAL join Armagh Gaels protest and hand in letter of complaint to Armagh Council

POBAL staff attended a protest with Armagh's Irish language movement to complain about a lack of recognition for Irish in the Council area. Hundreds came out to support the protest at Armagh's council offices. Among the large crowd were school children, musicians and Irish groups, all there to show their annoyance at UUP councillor Jim Speers' statement that the 'only place the Irish language will take you is back to the Bog'. The protesters walked to the Council offices where Janet Muller and Cairde Teo's Seán Ó Maoilsté handed in a letter of complaint to a Council reprehensive. See Video - See Photos

4.8.11 - POBAL Festival Events a great sucess

Irish language advocacy group POBAL ran a number of events as part of this year's West Belfast Festival which included exhibitions, a launch and a lecture. Throughout festival week POBAL showcased its exhibition 'A Friend's Eye' 200 years of Irish language news in St Mary's University College. The exhibition tells the story of Irish language publication over more than 200 years, from Bolg an Tsolair which was published in Belfast in 1795 to the 21st Century and the coming of the internet. The exhibition was accompanied by a lecture: Publications in Irish given by Mary Delargy (UU Magee) in St. Mary's University College on Thursday, August 4th. The exhibition includes a booklet on the subject which is available from POBAL. In Curran House, Twin Spire Complex, on the Falls Road (outside POBAL's offices) our exhibition: Irish: Protecting and promoting the language was displayed during the same week. The exhibition covers the history of Irish language and the need for Irish language legislation in the north. See Photos

21.6.11 - Coláiste Chaitríona raise funds for Irish Language Act

Following POBAL's visit to Coláisite Chaitríona Ard Mhaca during Seachtain na Gaeilge in March with its exhibition Irish: Protecting and promoting the language and a talk on rights and legislation, the college organised an activity day "Stand Up, Speak Out" for pupils at which money was raised for a number of charitys and the work of the pupils was on show. The Irish language stream worked throughout this year on POBAL's efforts to have an Irish Language Act enacted in the North. The pupils raised money to help with the promotion of an Irish Language Act which was presented to POBAL committee representitive Sean Ó Maoilsté.

13/6/11 - POBAL welcome Minister's commitment for a rights-based Irish language Act

Following a meeting this week, POBAL has welcomed the commitment by Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Caral Ní Chuilín, that she will present proposals to the Assembly for the Irish language Act. Janet Muller, Chief Executive of POBAL said, 'Minister Ní Chuilín clearly sees the importance of the promises made at St Andrews for the Irish language. However, we have urged her to ensure that the proposals for the Irish language Act reflect the model already agreed by the community for a strong, comprehensive rights-based act. There may be many steps yet to go in actually achieving the Act and we have emphasised to the Minister that a weak piece of legislation will not deliver the results needed for the language in the North. Based on our discussions, the Minister agrees with us that each action taken now must be sure to move us closer to the kind of legislation required.' POBAL recently took an Irish language delegation to Westminster to lobby for the Irish language Act. Janet Muller continued, 'The Minister understands the need to ensure that unionist vetoes cannot continue to block the legislation, and we intend to keep up pressure on the British government to stand over its commitment to the Irish Language Act. We also expect to meet Irish government ministers soon to discuss their support.' The umbrella group also welcomed the statement by Caral NÍ Chuilín that she will introduce to the Assembly a separate strategy for the development of the Irish language. Janet Muller said, 'This is something that POBAL has been working on for some time now with representatives of Queen's University, the University of Ulster and St Mary's University College and with groups from the Irish language media, education and arts sectors. The Minister has indicated that she sees the potential of this work to inform and bring added value to the strategy.' In August, the enterprising advocacy group will also meet new Education Minister, John Ó Dowd.

the umbrella organisation for the Irish Language community

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