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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Brexit and Irish language

Summary

Senator Ó Donnghaile called for a Brexit update and highlighted An Dream Dearg’s week of action on Irish language rights.

Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

The normal time for the Order of Business is up but five further speakers have indicated. Given the day that is in it, our first day in this new building, I will use my discretion to allow everyone in.

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Cuirim féin leis na focail atá ráite cheana féin faoin athchóiriú agus an suíomh breá álainn seo atá anois againn ar feadh tréimhse.

I echo the sentiments that it is important, especially after Guy Verhofstadt's address last week, for us to receive an update regarding Brexit from either the Taoiseach or the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

I want to draw Members' attention to the seven days of action announced by An Dream Dearg which works closely with Conradh na Gaeilge and Irish language organisations across the country. An Dream Dearg is calling for seven days of action this week. Yesterday, it asked that everyone would add a filter to their profile picture on social media. Today it is encouraging people to engage with the Irish Government on the matter of a stand alone Acht na Gaeilge in the North. The campaign has been a youth-led, diverse, colourful, inclusive, active, visible, loud, joyous one but it is one that has been frustrated which is understandable when one considers that people are asking for rights and entitlements that are available to people in this State, and in Scotland and Wales. I encourage Members, including the Leader, to participate in the campaign. An Dream Dearg is making a very modest call. On Friday it is asking people to wear red to work. Two of my Fianna Fáil colleagues have got the memo early and have taken a lead on this. Fair play to them. I will circulate the details and hopefully, just as the majority of parties in the North - 50 of 90 MLAs support the call for a stand alone Irish language Act - we will see every party and organisation in this House also back the call.

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