Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The work you have done in recognising what language means, what it can do and how it can be a measure of connection in communities is so important. That is also important in this House because one of the themes of our centenary is minority voices. The Seanad has a record in minority voices, both in terms of voices from unionist traditions and minority voices championing the language. That is something we hold very dear. In the previous Seanad the Cathaoirleach initiated legislation, which then became law, that recognised Irish Sign Language and gave that legislative recognition to the language. It is an example of how languages layer onto each other. Across the island, new migrants are coming in and bringing languages of their own and are learning English and Irish, and in many cases Irish Sign Language as well. Every time we layer that language, it brings more understanding, more depth and more possibilities. Senator Kyne put it very well when he said that the Irish language reaches far back into history has a history far longer than the State or our political bodies. It has a future that goes very far beyond any of the political debates of the day as well. It has that longer future. I commend Naíscoil na Seolta because it recognises the future of the language and the future of learning together. Its motto is “ag foghlaim le chéile”, which means "learning together". You have championed learning together but your work is also about learning what it is to be together. I commend you on that and thank you again for joining us today.