Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: An Fochoiste um an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus Rudaí Gaolmhara
Supporting Minority Languages: Welsh Language Commission
12:55 pm
Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome the language commissioner and thank her for her presentation. Have there been any efforts to measure which activities have had the greatest impact in strengthening the Welsh language? Intergenerational transition is probably one of the most important factors for languages. Have any activities proven to be particularly useful in that respect?
I understand that in Wales, equal space is given to both languages on road signs, for example, and the same font is used. There is some concern in Government that to do the same here would send motorists crashing into each other. I am interested to hear what the experience has been in Wales in that regard.
The provisions Ms Huws outlined regarding penalties are very progressive. Without those penalties, her job would be far more difficult and there would be a greater cost to the state in the long run. What are the funding levels like for her office? Every organisation always wants and needs more funding, but it would be useful to have that information for comparison purposes.
Has Ms Huws met with the Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Deputy Joe McHugh? It would be very useful for him to discuss some of these issues with the commissioner.
Finally, will Ms Huws comment on the general health of the Welsh language?