Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 112: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will sign and ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; the reason this matter has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has advised that given the constitutional status of Irish as the national language and first official language of the State, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages of the Council of Europe is not considered to be a suitable mechanism for its promotion and protection. Consequently, there are no plans to sign or ratify the Charter in respect of the Irish language.