Following a campaign by Trinity College Dublin Student Union (TCDSU), College has announced their intention to increase staffing at Oifig na Gaeilge (the Irish Language Office), from their current level of one staff member. Actions taken by TCDSU included hanging a banner to the Campanile with the words ‘Cá bhfuil an Ghaeilge?’ (Where is the Irish language?’), which they removed following College’s announcement.
The decision was described by TCDSU Oifigeach na Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer) Pádraig Mac Brádaigh as “a win”, but highlighted that this is not the end of TCDSU’s campaign.
“It’s great to see that they’re listening to student voices. But at the same time, it’s important to note as well, this is really just the beginning, and this is really bare minimum stuff. This is only to achieve the targets of what’s in the current legislation.”
The Official Language Act 2003 places on all public bodies, including universities, the responsibility to ensure that all stationery, signage and oral announcements are provided either in Irish or in Irish and English, and that any correspondence received in Irish is replied to in Irish.
The Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 sets out the goal that by the end of 2030, at least 20% of staff in public bodies be competent in Irish, and that 20% of advertising done by any public body will be in the Irish language.
College has been criticised by TCDSU for failing to comply with Official Language legislation, with TCDSU calling for an Action Plan as to how College intends to achieve the goal of 20% of its staff having upper-intermediate level Irish by 2030. TCDSU is also calling for a tripling in funding for Oifig na Gaeilge in order to see at least two more staff members fully employed.
“This is the law. … it’s not an opt in… and Irish speakers shouldn’t be made to feel like our rights are opt in” Mac Brádaigh said.
