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20 February 2015
The Good Friday Agreement

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Culture
Irish Language
     
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Image of An Cultúrlann poster advertising an Irish music event
An Cultúrlann on Belfast's Falls Road promotes Irish language and culture

The Agreement recognises that linguistic diversity is "part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland". It points out that the Irish language, Ulster Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities should command respect, understanding and tolerance.

The Agreement devotes specific attention to a series of proposals in relation to the promotion and protection of the Irish Language. It states that the British government will in particular in relation to the Irish language, where appropriate and where people desire it:

 
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 -  take resolute action to promote the language
 -  facilitate and encourage the use of the language in speech and writing in public and private life where there is appropriate demand
 -  seek to remove, where possible, restrictions which would discourage or work against the maintenance or development of the language
 -  make provision for liaising with the Irish language community, representing their views to public authorities and investigating complaints
 -  place a statutory duty on the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate Irish medium education in line with current provision for integrated education
 -  explore urgently with the relevant British authorities, and in co-operation with the Irish broadcasting authorities, the scope for achieving more widespread availability of Teilifís na Gaeilge in Northern Ireland
 -  seek more effective ways to encourage and provide financial support for Irish language film and television production in Northern Ireland
 -  encourage the parties to secure agreement that this commitment will be sustained by a new Assembly in a way that takes account of the desires and sensitivities of the community.

   
     
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