Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I urge the Minister to take on board or consider these amendments. Amendment No. 14 may not need to delete line 5 but rather include the substitute text as an additional point. It is important to bear in mind the languages and traditions across the island in all of their diversity but there exists a special duty in respect of the Irish language and it is crucial that this be reflected in a body that will have responsibility for the platforms through which most people will be watching cultural products and for the media services codes and so forth that will emerge from this process. It is really important that be there.

I had some similar amendments on this issue in the section on the European works scheme because that scheme talked about programming that had the Irish language as its subject matter but did not talk about programming in the Irish language. Again, there exists a particular role in respect of the Irish language and, I would add, Irish Sign Language. I will indicate now that I may table amendments on Report Stage with regard to these languages. Irish Sign Language is recognised. Legislation that passed through this House, having been initiated by our Cathaoirleach, specifically called for the recognition of Irish Sign Language. This is not the same issue as addressed by some of the general measures in respect of disability and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. There is a specific duty with regard to the Irish language and Irish Sign Language. Both of those need to be reflected in the functions. I have proposed some amendments in which I suggest that this be reflected in the grants and programming but I concur with my colleague, who makes a good point in saying that it should be included in the top-level functions.