Minister briefs Committee on Languages Strategy

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland today outlined his vision for a Regional or Minority Languages strategy for Northern Ireland to the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee.

Speaking after the meeting the Minister expressed his intention to introduce a strategy to meet the commitments placed on the Executive by the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Minister McCausland said: "This strategy will recognise Ulster-Scots and Irish as valuable parts of our shared cultural heritage. The strategy will seek to promote wider understanding of the background to the languages through increasing understanding and awareness between sections of the community who feel a sense of belonging to the Ulster-Scots heritage and culture and those who identify with Irish heritage and culture."

The Minister highlighted that the language strategy would be grounded in the cross-cutting theme of 'a shared and better future for all' and would include a number of proposals designed to promote that aspiration within the context of culture and language.

He added: "The development of a single strategy for regional or minority languages is designed to highlight our shared heritage and the desire for the languages to be given equal respect and recognition. Ulster-Scots and Irish are essential parts of our cultural wealth and should be equally cherished as part of the cultural fabric of Northern Ireland. It is my vision that the strategy will reflect this."

The Minister has recently held meetings on the links between education and the Regional or Minority Languages strategy, and is currently engaging with the Northern Ireland Office and the BBC regarding some issues around broadcasting which will impact on the strategy.

The Minister concluded: "Once there is agreement on the issues around education and broadcasting, I intend to submit a paper and draft strategy to the Executive for consideration. The Executive Committee will be invited to agree the proposed approach and recommend that the draft strategy document is issued for public consultation."

Notes to editors

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