Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the leader of the DUP are fully aware of my views, my concerns and concerns across Government on this issue. We will continue to support the Irish language on an all-island basis, including through financial support for the ongoing work and development on the part of Foras na Gaeilge. The Government will also continue to engage fully and highly with the British Government and all the political parties in Northern Ireland to seek the full implementation of all provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Deputy will be aware that language policy is a devolved matter but, as always, the Government is ready to support and assist those parties in the devolved institutions. We look forward to the devolved institutions being fully established at the earliest opportunity following the election. In this regard, I imagine the Deputy and his colleagues will be in a position to play a prominent role and to assist in this regard. Our commitment as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement remains constant in good times and bad.

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