Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh TD, launched the Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 programme for July-December in Gleann Cholm Cille today.
The Minister of State reminded the audience that An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, launched Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 at the end of last year, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to the Irish language and to this special year to put the national language of Ireland centre stage at home and abroad.
The Minister of State spoke of the link between Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 and the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and the common objective to increase incrementally knowledge and use of the Irish language. In that context, he stressed the vital role of the community itself in regard to the future of the Irish language.
He referred to the fine programme of activities and events which were organised in the first half of the year and said that a broad programme would be available for the second half of the year also.
“The list of choices is endless, between BBQs, workshops, festivals, dramas, poetry, walks, talks, historic trips, concerts, picnics, classes, ceilís, magic and open mic”
said the Minister of State.
He spoke about the major event Celebrating 125 Years which will take place in Conradh na Gaeilge headquarters on 31 July 2018 and the official camping site for Irish speakers which will be available for the first time ever at Electric Picnic in Co. Laois. Looking at the programme which is set out by month, he identified other interesting options such as a cookery workshop in Kerry, yoga in Derry, a quiz in New York, a short film in Germany, a social night in Glasgow and Christmas carols in Washington.
Minister McHugh highly commended Conradh na Gaeilge and Foras na Gaeilge who are collaborating with other partners such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, RTÉ, TG4 and his own Department to bring the vision for Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 to fruition.
In conclusion, the Minister of State asked the audience to spread the good news about the Irish language.
“The language is ours and a spoken language is a living language. We can make a great difference if we avail of the opportunity during Bliain na Gaeilge to be more active about the language and to encourage more people to speak our native language also.”
Further information along with the programme for July-December is available at the link www.gaeilge2018.ie