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Future of Irish act 'in balance' Poots 'unpersuaded' on Irish Act
(about 4 hours later)
Culture Minister Edwin Poots is expected to outline his views on a proposed Irish language act later, amid speculation he intends to scrap it. Culture Minister Edwin Poots has said he remains unpersuaded there is a compelling case for bringing forward Irish language legislation.
Mr Poots is on record as saying legislation may not be necessary. He said this was despite the majority of respondents to the department's consultation favouring legislation.
It is understood the DUP minister may withdraw plans for the act, which Sinn Fein negotiated as part of the St Andrews Agreement. Mr Poots told the NI Assembly that "compelling costs" were among the reasons he was against the act.
Nationalists are likely to object to Mr Poots' view that the Irish language can be supported without fresh legislation. Sinn Fein's Barry McElduff, chairman of culture, arts and leisure committee, said the move was "a mistake".
The Irish language act was promised to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair at the St Andrew's negotiations last year. "He is missing an opportunity here, a major opportunity to prove that he is capable and willing of being minister for all of the people," he said.
However, Mr Poots said there was a number of reasons for his decision.
"The enhancement and protection of the development of the Irish language is an important matter for Northern Ireland, as is the enhancement and protection of the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture," he said.
"However, I remain unpersuaded that there is a compelling case for progressing legislation, at this time.
"There is, in my view, insufficient community consensus; potentially significant costs; and a real possibility that legislation could undermine good relations and in so doing prove counter productive to those wishing to see the language developed in a non-politicised and inclusive manner."
The Irish language act was promised to Sinn Fein by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair at the St Andrew's talks in 2006.
However, the act is now the responsibility of the Executive, and requires cross-community consensus.However, the act is now the responsibility of the Executive, and requires cross-community consensus.
Unionists have expressed their opposition to introducing the legislation and the minister has also expressed concern about costs.
The Sinn Fein chairman of the culture committee, Barry McElduff, has complained the minister failed to meet him about the issue on Monday despite numerous requests.