Read here about legislation related to the Irish language that has been signed into law over the past twenty or so years.
The British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 #
The British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 (Number 1 of 1999) is the statutory basis for the Cross-Border Implementation Bodies, including the Foras Teanga.
The main legislation has had several amendments (Number 1–32).
The European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages 2001 #
The European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages is designed to offer protection by breaking down the obstacles that prevent people from using minority languages. It is of particular importance for the Irish language in the north, which is not currently protected by a Language Act.
The Charter was brought in by the British Government in 2001, making several binding promises regarding the Irish language under Section III.
A variety of subjects are covered in the Charter, including education, contact with the government, services that are to be provided through minority languages and more.
Local councils are required to put together a Courtesy Code for the Irish language, and ensure that all members of staff are aware of this code. Section II of the Charter states that councils are required to proactively encourage the written and oral use of Irish in both public and private matters.
According to Article 7(4) of the Charter, councils must take the requirements and wishes of groups using the minority language in question into account when drafting language legislation.
Article 10 of the Charter states that local councils must:
- Facilitate speakers who send in applications through the Irish language
- Facilitate public companies in drafting documents in Irish
- Facilitate, enable and encourage the use of Irish in debates in council chambers
- Enable and facilitate the use of traditional place names and traditional family surnames
- Provide translation services when needed
With regard to events and cultural facilities, Article 12 of the Charter states that the local councils must:
- Encourage projects regarding the Irish language and support the availability of Irish language materials
- Inform groups that are organising and supporting cultural events about any requirements regarding the Irish language
- Facilitate and encourage research, exchanges and the learning of the Irish language
Official Languages Act 2003 #
The main aim of the Act is to ensure an improvement in the provision of public services through Irish.
This is done through the provisions of the Act as well as through three regulations that apply to all public bodies under the Act. Many government departments and bodies fall under the Official Languages Act 2003, for example:
- An Post (the Post Office)
- Public hospitals
- Passport office
- Libraries
- Department of Education and Skills
- Universities and institutes of technology
- Driving Licence Office
- National Museum of Ireland
- All State museums
This was the first time a statutory foundation was provided for the general provision of state services through the medium of Irish.
The Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga was established under this Act as an independent statutory office functioning as both an ombudsman service and a compliance agency. The Guidebook to the Official Languages Act can be downloaded from the website of Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga.
Gaeltacht Act 2012 #
This Act has two main aims: to set out a new definition of the Gaeltacht and to introduce amendments to the structure and functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Gaeltacht is now intended to be based on linguistic criteria rather than geographic areas, as was the case until now. Community-level language planning will be central to the process of redefining the Gaeltacht. Areas outside the Gaeltacht will also have the opportunity to gain statutory recognition as Irish Language Networks or Gaeltacht Service Towns, subject to meeting certain criteria.
In addition to amending certain functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Gaeltacht Act 2012 gives the Údarás a statutory role in implementing the Language Planning Process in the Gaeltacht. The Act also provides for a significant reduction in the number of board members of the Údarás and ends the requirement for elections to the board.
Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 #
This new legislation strengthens the Official Languages Act 2003, and it is widely acknowledged that it will greatly improve the quality of Irish-language services provided by State bodies to the public.
The main goals of this strengthened Act are:
- that 20% of public sector recruits will be competent in Irish by the end of 2030;
- that all public services in the Gaeltacht and for the Gaeltacht will be provided through Irish;
- that every public office in the Gaeltacht will operate through Irish; and
- that a National Plan for Irish-Language Public Services will be developed
A significant feature of the 2021 Act is the replacement of the current language scheme system with language standards for every government sector, with higher standards to be achieved by sectors that interact more frequently with the public.
