Official Languages (Right to Use the Irish Language) (Amendment) Bill 2026

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The measure would create an explicit legal right to use Irish in communications in Ireland, including at work and online, and would stop employers, organisations or others from blocking Irish-language use unless they can show a valid reason. It would also give the Language Commissioner power to investigate complaints, order compensation of up to €5,000 for unlawful restrictions, and support fair treatment of Irish-language content on online platforms. It matters because it would turn Irish from a language people are merely allowed to use into one that is actively protected.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Official Languages Act 2003 and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 to protect the right to communicate through the medium of the Irish language without infringement; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 5 March 2026