Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is the Minister concerned about the fact the Secretary of State, Mr. Brokenshire, is giving political cover on this issue? His remarks are a poke in the eye to Irish speakers.

It is great for Arlene Foster to come out with remarks along the lines that people are entitled to use the Irish language. However, she is the architect of blocking recognition of the language and the British Government is backing her up.

It is a question of doing something about it. Irish speakers are looking for support from the Government and other parties that have signed up to the St. Andrews Agreement. The agreement clearly and explicitly states that an Irish language Act would be enacted, but this has not happened. People want to know why it is not happening. What are we doing about it? Clearly, we are on the side of the people who want to use the language as part of the equality pillar. However, others are opposed to this and their actions and what they have said about the Irish language Act suggest they are opposed to any changes. What can the Government do in this matter?

See this speech in context