A speech by Labour Leader Eamonn Gilmore:
http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/125508477383816.html

quote:

The most urgent challenge facing the Irish language – more than what government department it falls under, or the old debates about whether or not it should be compulsory in schools – is to break down the silos that keep the language 1.6 million of us say we can speak out of daily life: shops, pubs, offices, the media, the arts. And it is a challenge that an organisation like Glór Cheatharlach is rising to.

I would like to see your model replicated in other towns and suburbs around the country. There is a significant role, too, for local authorities with the vision to promote local bilingualism, and to provide an everyday outlet for those 1.6 million people dispersed around the country who identify themselves as being able to speak the language.

The website referred to:
http://www.glorcheatharlach.ie/

An excellent speech, and I think even handed.

quote:

In times of recession, the arts and culture can be seen by some as easy targets for cutbacks. ... But investment in the arts is not a luxury – it is a necessity, in good times and in bad.

Important point. There will be/are calls to snip some Irish funding, but that won't stimulate the economy or save jobs. Most likely the opposite effect.

My favorite part of the speech:

"Of course, there is a big gap between the many who can speak Irish – who could use it doing their shopping, meeting friends, or doing business – and the minority who use it regularly. There is also a big demographic gap, with the numbers who say they can speak Irish falling off dramatically once they leave school."

Thank you Mr. Eamon Gilmore!

Admitting there is a problem is the first step to recovery ;-)

"...Having a platform like TG4 has provided employment for hundreds of young, creative graduates working in the audio-visual sector, and who have often proven themselves to be at the cutting edge of their profession. This is one of the reasons why the face of the Irish language has become more Sile Seoige than Peig Sayers."

And the world thanks them for it. LOL

I love his official notice of the improtance TG4. I was watching TG4 online and something caught my attention. Thar Sáile which was shown on October 18th was on the topic of Scotland this episode. The presenter was interviewing Alan Esslemont, BBC Alba's head of content, about his personal outlook for Scottish and he said ”It is a similar pattern as in Ireland…In the old gaeltacht communiites it is in decline, but it is growing in the cities…”

Followed by the the quick jab to keep the egos down…”You are doing better in Ireland, but you are not doing as well as Welsh in Wales.” LOL

In fairness to him, I think he was actually speaking in terms of Media and the Celtic languages.

Alan would know. He worked for TG4 for a long time.

Yeah, they said in his introduction that he worked with TG4 for years before coming to BBC Alba. I am left questioning if that was a good career move...LOL

But then, if he can turn that situation around for Scotland, then that is a true credit to him and his teams.

Like many of those who founded TnaG, I don't think he is motivated by a glittering career. More by practical patriotism.