Schools

Language Rights

I am very pleased to introduce this educational resource. It provides an insight into language rights generally and Irish language rights in particular, in the overall context of human rights.

The material was developed in conjunction with the Professional Development Service for Teachers and is provided to second level schools throughout the country with the support of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta.

I hope that this educational resource will encourage debate on language rights among students and will improve their understanding of this important subject. I also hope that it will help them develop their sense of identity as citizens of a country which has two official languages, Irish and English.

The Irish language is of fundamental importance to the identity of the Irish people and it plays a central role in our culture. We also have a duty to protect the language as part of world heritage.

I hope that teachers and students will find this educational resource both useful and enjoyable.

An Coimisinéir Teanga