Gathering strength to say 'Tá'
Irish language organisations and ethnic minority groups are joining forces to show support for the Irish language and for diversity in a major new event set for Saturday 16th February. On this day, POBAL are organising a Celebratory Parade in support of the Irish language and diversity to the city centre. In addition, there will be a rich mix of multi-cultural activities for all ages before the parade. The event is part of POBAL’s new project,‘Tá: ‘Say yes to the Irish language’, and Irish language and English groups from all over the country are supporting the initiative. Now the innovative campaign is being joined by ethnic minority and arts groups to raise the positive profile of our shared cultural wealth. Janet Muller, POBAL’s CEO said, ‘The parade will start at 1 pm. Everyone can take part in the parade and there is great enthusiasm and interest. Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich will be the venue also for workshops and taster sessions from 11 am with an International Food Fayre, music and storytelling, Chinese arts, songs from south America, poetry from Africa, face-painting and henna hand painting and Indian Head Massage . These events are for all ages. Then at 1 pm, the celebratory parade will move off from the Cultúrlann with Irish language groups, Chinese dragons, drummers, music and craic. We will walk down to Writers’ Square in the city centre for more entertainment and celebration’ Séamus Mac Aindreasa, POBAL’s Development Worker said, ‘The parade will take place a year since we organised a march to highlight the need for an Irish language Act. It is an event that everyone can take part in: grown-ups and children, schools, residents’ groups, artists, trade unionists, teachers, Irish speakers and those who love the language and support it as part of our shared cultural wealth.’ Julius Anakaa of the Afro-Community Support Organisation said, ‘It is good that POBAL have taken this initiative to bring people together, recognising the Irish language as well as other communities that live here. This can only increase and add to the richness of the culture here and make it a better place.’ Pritam Sridhar said, ‘ArtsEkta are delighted to be working with POBAL and other Irish language and art organizations on the "Ta" Project. We are committed to the promoting, sharing and teaching of art forms from around the world throughout Northern Ireland. Arts Etta recognises the fact that Irish art, Language, music and culture plays a major and important role in the lives of so many individuals and groups in the province. Furthermore, there are many areas of synergie which exist among Irish Art forms/culture and arts from other nations such as Africa, India, Latin America. We have worked to bring artists together form these nations to work together, thus encouraging relationship building, greater understanding and ultimately greater mutual respect. As Northern Ireland becomes increasingly cosmopolitan, the importance of greater respect for all cultures is paramount for a stable and peaceful society. Janet Muller said, ‘The Irish language is part of the fabric of the new society being built. It is a living, vibrant language for our future and the parade will give a chance to everyone to send out a strong, clear message that this is a society that truly values diversity.’ POBAL Janet Muller 028 90 438132, or 077 13 630325

Use it
The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages


Grab your pens and start writing to every Government department and your local council in Irish. All Government agencies now have a duty to accept correspondence in Irish. In March 2001, the British Government ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The British selected 36 provisions of the Charter. This is the least that they could have chosen but progress has, nonetheless, been made. The ratification of these provisions gives us rights that we did not hitherto enjoy. Government departments, agencies and local councils now have a duty to provide certain services for the Irish speaking community. Part II of the Charter commits the British Government to taking positive action to promote the Irish language and to ensure that nothing it does will impede the development of the language. These are general principle with no imperative to take specific actions. However, in Article 10 of Part III, several provisions do tie the Government to specifics. Departments, agencies and local councils must: · Accept correspondence through the medium of Irish; · Accept oral applications; · Provide translators were needed; · Provide documents through the medium of Irish; · Accept personal names in Irish; · Respect the use of the traditional forms of place-names. Pobal calls on the Irish speaking community to insist on a service through the medium of Irish. We must capitalise on these developments and use every opportunity to communicate with state bodies through the medium of Irish. Complain about broken pavements and street-lights that don’t work; comment on planning proposals; use every opportunity to show that there is a demand for a service through the medium of Irish. Further information about the Charter for European Regional or Minority Languages is available from Marcas Mac Ruairí at Pobal on (028) 9043 8132. It is possible to read those provisions in the Charter that Britain has signed on the Pobal website, www.pobal.org.

Building the new society


One of the north's greatest successes over the past thirty years has been the growth of its Irish speaking community. The spiral of creative, energetic grassroots projects has swept the Irish language right into the heart of social and economic regeneration and onto centre stage in the debate around building our new society.

Today, sustainability is a key issue and there is increasing recognition that linguistic diversity contributes to the prosperity of the entire community. The 'diversity dividend' creates jobs and services and generates income for all through tourism, the arts, cultural and economic projects. Thriving Irish language projects in Derry, Downpatrick, Coalisland, Strabane, south Armagh, Dunloy and the Glens of Antrim are adding to the buzz throughout the north. Newry and Mourne Council appointed an Irish Language Officer some five years ago. In Belfast, arguably one of the biggest urban Gaeltacht areas in the country, the Irish medium arts scene revolves around the newly refurbished Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich which has attracted four major national Irish language festivals of drama and art to Belfast in as many years. Forbairt Feirste and Gairm are busy developing economic and training initiatives for young Irish speakers, information technology and translation services are provided by the Telelann, soon to expand into its own purpose-built centre An Nasc. There are a growing number of successful community businesses like Derry's Gaeláras and Belfast's book and gift shop An Ceathrú Póilí, cafes such as An Caife Glas, An Cúpla Focal and An Caife Gaelach. E-commerce initiatives and television production are set to spearhead further development. Of course, the Irish speaking community has also established a high achieving Irish medium education system from pre-school to secondary level.

This is an exciting period for Irish speakers. Next year is designated European Year of Languages. In the south, new legislation is being prepared to promote the language and guarantee the rights to equal treatment and services for Irish speakers. In addition to the Language Act (Acht Teanga), a Language Bill is also being drafted.

In the north, in addition to significant references to the Irish language in the Good Friday Agreement, the British government has now signed the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages up to Part 111 for Irish. This is a welcome development. To support legislation, Irish speakers are keen to see the creation of an overall ethos within society that will facilitate implementation of the Charter in the ‘pro-active and vigorous’ manner referred to in the Good Friday Agreement.

Recognised as a Treaty Language by the European Union, and with the status of Official Language in the south, the position of the Irish language is a unique one. International human rights legislation shows that where the relative status and needs of language communities are different, then their treatment in the public sphere must also be different. The European Charter on Regional and Minority Languages and the relevant sections of the Good Friday Agreement reflect the fact that the importance of the Irish language community entitles it to more extensive service provision than Ulster-Scots heritage groupings can expect. The European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages also carries a clear definition of the distinction between the users of languages like Irish and the speakers of ethnic minority languages. In making a clear case for the unique position of the Irish language, Irish speakers are nonetheless strong in their support for appropriate provision for other linguistic groups.

Clearly, the achievement of a new society will require careful strategic planning. Bi-lingualism needs to be integrated into policy, and into all aspects of the work of community and voluntary organisations, including its financial planning. Recognising the key role of the community and voluntary sector in bringing about social change at grassroots level, POBAL, the umbrella organisation for the Irish speaking community places importance on discussion with the sector. As well as information days for community groups, POBAL organised a major conference on linguistic rights The Irish language: promoting diversity, building our new society in the Waterfront Hall in September. The conference combined contributions from international experts on language and human rights with grassroots input.

The organisation has also produced a 'Gaelic-friendly' policy for organisations and a Charter of Good Practice that gives a simple step-by-step approach to facilitating bi-lingualism. The Charter lists a number of options that community groups can 'sign up' to over a period of three months to help them plot their own progress.

Treating Irish speakers equally means simply extending respect and adequate services to our community. The Good Friday Agreement has set the blueprint. It is now time for the community and voluntary sector to embrace its own role in building our new bi-lingual society.

Gaeltacht Status for Belfast Irish language Community!


This was the proposal heard by the Gaeltacht Commission, when they held a public meeting, attended by around 50 Gaeilgeoirí, in Belfast’s Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, on Wednesday 10 January. Seamus Mac Seáin, from the Shaw’s Road ‘Gaeltacht’, chaired the meeting and extended a welcome to the Commission’s Secretary, Bertie Mac Ainmhire.
Opening the meeting, which lasted almost 2 hours, Mr Mac Ainmhire explained the terms of reference of the Commission, which include: analysing the effectiveness of organisations working directly with Gaeltacht areas, investigating means of encouraging youth in the use of the language, as well as a remit to consider areas outside the official Gaeltacht.
The Commission heard the urgent need for public services, in particular, youth services, to be provided through the medium of Irish. The long-term vision of the community was also impressed upon them, with calls for the provision of third level, Irish-medium education, and demands for access to the new technology that currently enhances educational opportunities in the English-medium sector.
There was some debate about the actual power of the Commission in the North. POBAL’s Janet Muller referred people back to the promises made in the Good Friday Agreement in relation to the Irish language, suggesting that by recognising Belfast as a Gaeltacht area, the Irish Government could send a very strong message to the British Government on the importance of fulfilling these promises.
The meeting was of one mind that a ‘community’, and not a geographical area, constitutes a Gaeltacht. The meeting closed with a majority vote in favour of the proposal "that the Irish language community of Belfast be recognised as a Gaeltacht".

Scoil na gCrann in Omagh
Congratulations to Scoil na gCrann in Omagh who were granted recognition from the Department of Education recently. The school committee, staff, parents and pupils are delighted at the news.
Julie Rafferty, the school’s chairperson said:
"This will greatly assist the development of the school. It is well deserved after all the hard work that has went into the school this year. The school can only go from strength to strength now."
Naíscoil na gCrann was founded in 2003 and is situated in Killyclogher on the outskirts of Omagh. There are 13 children in the nursery which means a full class of primary ones in September 2006.The pupils of Scoil na gCrann have the added advantages of being situated beside St.Mary’s GAA ,with extensive playing grounds, and Dún Uladh cultural centre. The pupils of Scoil na gCrann will enjoy the benefits of being immersed in Irish sport, music and culture as well as all the added advantages of Irish-medium education
Liam, the newly appointed teacher for this year’s primary school, is pleased to be associated with such a new and exciting project. Liam said:
"Scoil na gCrann is blossoming and it is great to be associated with such an enthusiastic and hardworking team. The atmosphere in the school is fantastic and this is reflected in the pupils."
If you live in the Omagh area and are interested in Irish-medium education and the associated benefits of bi-lingualism, then get in contact with Julie Rafferty, Chairperson of the committee of Scoil na gCrann on Dún Uladh 82 24 2777.
From POBAL, congratulations to Scoil na gCrann. Best of luck.

Irish Language Act
Irish Language Legislation must now be enacted at Westminster
POBAL, the umbrella organisation for the Irish speaking community has said that in the light of the refusal of Edwin Poots to enact Irish language legislation in the Assembly, Gordon Brown to take the Irish language Act forward at Westminster. Janet Muller, the CEO of POBAL said, ‘Everything in today’s debate has shown the need for Irish language legislation. There was no thorough consideration of the real issues and there was a clear departure from good practice in the preparation of a series of imaginary projected costs that do not hold water. There was no consideration of the impact on the Irish speaking community or on community relations of the refusal to fulfil commitments. Instead of this the words, ‘costs’ and ‘consensus’ are being used to mean unionist veto.’ She said, ‘The British government made a binding international commitment in the St Andrews Agreement. The results of not one, but two consultations has shown the overwhelming support of the community for strong rights-based legislation. It is clear now that Irish speakers will not receive fair treatment unless there is legislation to protect our community.’

Take the law into your own hands
Change the future for Irish; make your voice heard in favour of the Irish Language Act NI


There is a unique opportunity at present for Irish speakers to make a difference to the status of the Irish language in the north according to Janet Muller, CEO of POBAL the umbrella organisation for the Irish speaking community. There is currently a consultation process underway on the Irish language Act by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, and POBAL organised a special seminar to help the community to prepare their responses.
As special guest at the seminar was the internationally renowned expert in language rights and law, Robert Dunbar from the University of Aberdeen. Along with POBAL, he gave advice and support to groups and individuals on the best way to prepare submissions on the consultation process. Janet said, ‘Robert Dunbar is one of the most highly qualified and recognised experts in this field. He has already given great support to POBAL when we were drawing together the community’s agreed proposals for a strong, comprehensive rights-based Irish Language Act for the north, and it is a great advantage to the Irish speaking community that he was with us for this seminar too.
Janet said, ‘POBAL has drafted several guidance documents for community use; including our recommended answers to the specific questions put by DCAL in their consultation paper on the Irish Language Act. As well as this, we have drafted a short list of key points for smaller organisations and individuals to draw on. These documents are on this website.
‘The consultation process on the Irish language Act will be open until 2nd March and it is extremely important that the voice of the Irish speaking community makes its views heard before then. As well as the documents that we have produced as a guide, POBAL is happy to come out to groups and share information about the Irish language Act.

Language Awareness Course produced by POBAL

According to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages there is a responsibility on government departments, local authorities and statutory organisations to provide proper and appropriate services to Irish speakers in the north of Ireland.

POBAL has produced a Language Awareness Course that will help these organisations fulfill this responsibiliy according to best practice.

The course covers the details of the European Charter and is based on wide research and direct experience of best international practice.

If you are interested in improving the knowledge of your workers on the practical, implications of this legislation, we can deliver the course to them in your place of work, or they could attend a course organised in a central location.

The course lasts one half day and costs £50 per person or £400 for a group of up to 15.

The course can be adapted to suit the requirements of different groups.

If you are interested in POBAL delivering the course to your workers in your workplace or in a central location please contact us.

Bill of Rights threat to Irish language rights


Proposals by the NI Human Rights Commission could present a serious threat to the rights of Irish speakers, has been one of the key conclusions of local people at public meetings of Irish language enthusiasts, community workers, politicians and Church representatives throughout the north.

POBAL organised the public meetings to encourage discussion on the proposals for a Bill of Rights. (A copy of the Human Rights Commission’s proposals, along with POBAL’s own submission can be found on this site, on our page entitled Submissions and Documents)

Spokesperson for POBAL, Janet Muller, said, ‘POBAL has been holding a series of meetings throughout the north to find out what people think of the Human Rights Commission’s proposals on language rights. The response throughout the north reflected the real anger that is felt. A Bill of Rights could set out in law the exact responsibility of public and government bodies to provide services for our community. It could guarantee our community widespread rights which English speakers take for granted at present. People are asking why the Commission does not recognise the unique importance of Irish to the culture, self esteem and identity of the people of this country. Throughout the world, it is recognised that native languages must be given special protection and promotion in their own countries. But the Human Rights Commission has reversed this and given more importance to ethnic minority languages. POBAL believes that ethnic minority communities should be able to get access to services and that their rights must be respected. But we must also ask, if Irish is not fully protected in the legislation of a part of Ireland, where will it be protected? ‘

She went on to say that the meetings had been a good opportunity for the group to gather the opinions of local people on what should be in a Bill of Rights. ‘POBAL has now put a report together to show the Commission the strength of feeling throughout the north. But it is important that everyone with an interest in the Irish language should get in touch with the Human Rights Commission straight away. Although the official closing date for submissions is over, the Commission is behind in its work and has indicated that it is will accept submissions for some weeks yet. Irish language enthusiasts must let the Commission know that they believe a Bill of Rights should do much more to protect and promote the Irish language. We need new, comprehensive legislation to ensure that our rights are upheld. ’ Anyone who would like further information or help in contacting the Human Rights Commission, can get in touch with POBAL on 028 90 438132 or at eolas@pobal.orging to accept submissions for some weeks yet. Eventually, the Commission will be sending off their proposals to the Secretary of State who will make the final decisions on what will be in the Bill. Irish language en

Rumours rife on the Big Names signing up to support the Irish language<\B>
Rumours are running wild as to the 50 celebrity names from the world of culture, arts and sport that have signed up to support POBAL’s ‘Tá: Say Yes to the Irish Language’ project. The umbrella organisation is remaining tight-lipped as yet, though, and say they will not release a full list of the names before the publication of their advertisement in support of the Irish language later this month. Janet Muller, Chief Executive of POBAL refused to be drawn as to what footballer Roy Keane said when asked to sign up. Nor would she comment on the reaction of international actors and writers. She said, ‘What we can say is that the “Tá” project has caught the imagination of a wide range of people and we are very pleased with the results. Signing up to show their public support for the Irish language have been artists, sport people, dramatists, actors and musicians. The advertisement will be carried in newspapers in June and we really looking forward to seeing people’s reaction to the full list. The ‘Ta’ project has been a great success in raising a very positive public profile for the Irish language. In February, we worked with ethnic minority groups on our celebration of diversity parade to the city centre, and in August, we will all be Saying Yes to Irish again during the West Belfast Festival carnival parade and festival. We can’t wait!’