Mr. Niall Ó Catháin:

I wish to make a few points leading on from Mr. Póilin's contribution on the positive steps forward. Without question, it has been a very positive experience for our community, as well as education through the medium of the Irish language. There are other positive steps such as the Líofa campaign and the strategy, which without the legislation will be difficult to implement. There has been a real benefit to our community and many others across the North.

I appreciate the point Ms Ervine makes on the impact of the Irish language on the work she does. She is doing great work in a very challenging environment, but her concerns are not mutually exclusive to bringing forward the legislation. It is a matter of preparation and setting a date for its implementation and then dealing with all of the issues Ms Ervine raised. It is a pity we have squandered the past 15 years through the special support programme with a constant refusal to see this as an issue. I would like the committee to communicate with the SEUPB as this would be of great help. It would also help in dealing with the issues Ms Ervine has outlined. There must be certainty, as nothing will focus the mind of everyone concerned more than the setting of a date for implementation of the legislation. All efforts must be brought to bear to put pressure on Westminster such as those of European, American or international bodies putting pressure on it to bring forward a Bill. A twin-track approach must bw taken of promoting the language, in addition to promoting cultural tolerance and understanding, which will be important elements in enacting the legislation.

I certainly reiterate the need for core funding, as outlined by Mr. Póilin. Pobal has done invaluable work on the proposed legislation on the Irish language. I do not know where we would be without it. I would hate to see the Irish language movement in the North without an organisation such as Pobal to fight for it.

On the use of the Irish language by dissidents who politicise it, dissidents use English more than Irish. There is an issue with perception. I raised a point on the Equality Commission which puts too much store on perception. When somebody has an objection to the language and is opposed to it, it is either an irrational fear of it that needs to be dealt with or, possibly, bigotry. These are real issues that need to be dealt with. We must address them, as opposed to not promoting language equality, which is most important.