Menu
03/04/2008
Much More Irish Speakers Needed To Save Language
The Gaeltacht Minister has warned Ireland needs 250,000 more Irish speakers by 2028 to save the language.
Speaking during a visit to the US, TD Eamon O'Cuiv called for more courage and leadership to ensure the native tongue thrives in a globalised world.
Estimates at present suggest as many as 50,000 people speak Irish as their first language with roughly 100,000 being reasonably fluent, according to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The minister was in New York launching an Irish language programme in the City University of New York (CUNY) based in the Bronx.
Although the Bronx was historically an Irish and Italian district, it is heavily populated by Hispanics.
Mr O'Cuiv said the Celtic Tiger boom triggered an international renaissance of Irish culture.
"Part of this results from the development of links between Ireland and the approximately 50 universities and third level institutions worldwide that teach the Irish language and Celtic Studies, and the provision of funding for this work.
"Fulbright cements the traditionally strong ties between our nations and builds on the initiative of Presidents John F Kennedy and Eamon de Valera, who founded the American Irish Foundation during Mr Kennedy’s presidential visit to Ireland in 1963."
The Government is preparing a 20-year strategy for the Irish language, due to be launched before the end of the year.
(DW/JM)
Speaking during a visit to the US, TD Eamon O'Cuiv called for more courage and leadership to ensure the native tongue thrives in a globalised world.
Estimates at present suggest as many as 50,000 people speak Irish as their first language with roughly 100,000 being reasonably fluent, according to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The minister was in New York launching an Irish language programme in the City University of New York (CUNY) based in the Bronx.
Although the Bronx was historically an Irish and Italian district, it is heavily populated by Hispanics.
Mr O'Cuiv said the Celtic Tiger boom triggered an international renaissance of Irish culture.
"Part of this results from the development of links between Ireland and the approximately 50 universities and third level institutions worldwide that teach the Irish language and Celtic Studies, and the provision of funding for this work.
"Fulbright cements the traditionally strong ties between our nations and builds on the initiative of Presidents John F Kennedy and Eamon de Valera, who founded the American Irish Foundation during Mr Kennedy’s presidential visit to Ireland in 1963."
The Government is preparing a 20-year strategy for the Irish language, due to be launched before the end of the year.
(DW/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 January 2010
Irish Speakers Have Head Start In Jobs Race
Irish speakers have developed an advantage in the job market according to a cross-border analysis by leading academics.
Irish Speakers Have Head Start In Jobs Race
Irish speakers have developed an advantage in the job market according to a cross-border analysis by leading academics.
04 July 2016
Irish Language Users Urged To Apply For EU Jobs
The Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Seán Kyne, has again urged Irish language users to apply for EU translator post before the deadline on 12 July.
Irish Language Users Urged To Apply For EU Jobs
The Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Seán Kyne, has again urged Irish language users to apply for EU translator post before the deadline on 12 July.
01 October 2019
Irish Language Courses Supported With €1.6m Funding Boost
Funding of more than €1.6 million has been announced for the support of a number of Irish language courses, under the Advanced Irish Language Initiative.
Irish Language Courses Supported With €1.6m Funding Boost
Funding of more than €1.6 million has been announced for the support of a number of Irish language courses, under the Advanced Irish Language Initiative.
25 January 2019
Irish Language Speakers Urged To Apply For EU Translator Posts
The Minister of State for Irish, the Gaeltacht and the Islands has strongly encouraged Irish language speakers to apply for the positions of Irish Translators in European Union Institutes through the CAST competition which is under the control of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO).
Irish Language Speakers Urged To Apply For EU Translator Posts
The Minister of State for Irish, the Gaeltacht and the Islands has strongly encouraged Irish language speakers to apply for the positions of Irish Translators in European Union Institutes through the CAST competition which is under the control of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO).
12 May 2016
ESPO Seeking Irish Language Speakers For EU Jobs
The European Personnel Selection Office (ESPO) has announced two new competitions to recruit Irish language speakers for positions on the EU's institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg.
ESPO Seeking Irish Language Speakers For EU Jobs
The European Personnel Selection Office (ESPO) has announced two new competitions to recruit Irish language speakers for positions on the EU's institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
