Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Is mór an onóir dom a bheith ábalta labhairt faoi Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Gabh mo leithscéal nach bhfuil Gaeilge líofa agam. Is cúis náire dom é nach bhfuilim lán-ábalta mé féin a chur in iúl tríd ár dteanga dhúchais. Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste mar a deirtear. Is ceiliúradh ár dteanga náisiúnta í Seachtain na Gaeilge. Anuas ar sin, tugtar deis dúinn an Ghaeilge a chur chun agus tacaíocht shuntasach don Ghaeilge a lorg ón Rialtas.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is a celebration of our national language but it should be more than just a festival. It could be a national movement that celebrates our language in a positive way. People of all ages have different abilities when it comes to speaking Irish but there should be an opportunity each day to engage with the Irish language in a fun and inclusive way. Whether someone is fluent or just knows a cúpla focal, this celebration encourages everybody to use and appreciate the language more.

One of the big challenges facing the language is its lack of everyday use outside of Gaeltacht areas – out in the wild. Despite spending 14 years learning Irish many people, including myself, leave school without the ability or confidence to speak it. This may be down to policy, to the method of teaching or to inadequate resources. I know from my own secondary school that, every year more and more students opt out of learning Irish. It is clear we need a new approach to prioritise practical learning, which improves people’s accessibility and competence.

Despite these issues it can be said we are in the midst of a Gaelic revival. Social media and technology have helped us to grow our grá for Gaeilge by making it accessible and bringing it to a whole new audience. Irish is the most popular language on Duolingo in Ireland. The Gaeilge hashtag has more than 120 million views on TikTok with influencers making the language cool and helping to banish the shadow of Peig.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is also an opportunity to build on these successes and encourage schools, businesses and communities across the country to create a positive and accessible atmosphere around the language. Like our language, art is at the heart of our national identity and cultural heritage. Speaking our language reinforces our connection to our past while showing the valuable role it creates in the present and will ensure its survival into the future. One of the most important benefits of Seachtain na Gaeilge is that it inspires people to learn more and improve their Irish. Many people who may be hesitant to use the language feel encouraged to give it a go during this week in a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere which helps to build people’s confidence. For many people, their experience of Irish has been limited to the classroom where it can be seen as something to endure. When we have the opportunity to speak and celebrate our language it changes the perception by showing that Irish is a vibrant and living language that can be used in music, sport or comedy. Events such as concerts, storytelling sessions and céilís make learning and speaking Irish more enjoyable. When people see the language being used in a positive way they are more likely to embrace and use it.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is not just about promoting Irish. It plays a huge role in uplifting our musicians and artists. The week creates opportunities for people in creative professions to both use Irish and bring it into their work. It provides a platform for many organisations who are working to support the language, such as Conradh na Gaeilge, TG4, Foras na Gaeilge to use this time to highlight their initiatives and resources.

The impact of Seachtain na Gaeilge is not just national but global, with Irish enthusiasts and communities around the world getting involved and showcasing that Irish is a global language that connects people across continents through a shared love of language and culture. Art and music are powerful tools for cultural expression and Seachtain na Gaeilge reinforces the connection between language and identity. At last year’s Oscars, “An Cailín Ciúin” was the first film as Gaeilge to be nominated, and Kneecap has further renewed excitement and interest in the language, making it cool. Many Irish musicians and artists who use the medium of Irish struggle to get the same exposure as their English-speaking counterparts. Seachtain na Gaeilge allows them to take full advantage of putting the Irish language – particularly Irish language music, poetry and visual arts – into the spotlight. This is especially so for those who play folk or trad music. They benefit from increased demand for their performances during Seachtain na Gaeilge. This helps to support their careers financially and encourages venues to book Irish acts outside of Seachtain na Gaeilge. It is also great to see schools and youth groups organise talent shows and exhibitions, giving young artists performances so that they gain confidence and experience both with the language and with their art. Whether one is fluent or just starting out I would encourage anyone to take part in Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Tá an Ghaeilge beo beatha inniu, in ainneoin easpa acmhainní agus tacaíocht ón Rialtas, ach a bhuíochas le dúthracht agus díogras cheantair fud fad na tíre. Tá dualgas orainn ár dteanga dhúchais a chosaint. Iarraimid ar an Rialtas an teanga a chur chun cinn trí pholasaithe, maoiniú agus leasuithe oideachais. Molaim do gach duine an méid Gaeilge atá acu a úsáid le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge. Ar bharr sin, molaim do gach éinne a ndícheall a dhéanamh cúpla focal a úsáid ó cheann ceann na bliana.

This week made me reflect on my own use of language. Eu falo Português du Brasil. Je parle Français. Ora studio Italiano. I have used these phrases in the wild, in Dublin, during the past 12 months than I have ever used Irish, up to this week really. It has made me reflect on my use of the language which I intend to be a lot better if I am making this speech next year.

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