Trinity College’s Irish Language Scheme officially launched by Minister of State Dinny McGinley TD
Posted on: 03 December 2013
The Minister of State for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Dinny McGinley TD officially launched Trinity College Dublin’s second Irish Language Scheme under the Official Languages Act on November 27th last.
This scheme sets out a range of areas in which Trinity College is committed to improving bilingual services to staff, students and the wider public in the three year period to mid-November 2016. The aim of the commitments set out for implementation in the three-year period is to build on the provision established in the First Language Scheme (2010-2012) by offering targeted services to members of the College community and the public.
The service commitments in the new Scheme include improvements to bilingual services in the following areas: Direct Customer Services; Interactive services; Websites; Communications and Media; Forms, publications and printed material; Information Technology; Staff recruitment, induction and Irish language training; Irish Language Residency Schemes and Seomra na Gaeilge. There are also commitments to the development of an Irish Language Policy and the instituting of Irish Language Awards.
Liam Dowling, Cathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge, TCD; Sinéad MacBride, Aturnae an Choláiste, TCD:John Coman, Rúnaí an Choláiste, TCD; Donnchadh MacFhionnlaoich TD, Aire Stait Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta; Niamh Ní Chróinín, Reachtaire, An Cumann gaelach, TCD agus Aonghus Dwane, Oifigeach na Gaeilge, TCD
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State said that this language scheme gives a clear indication of Trinity College’s commitment and determination to promote the Irish language, not only for the benefit of the university but also for the community at large. “Trinity College has long been renowned for the excellence of its Irish language learning and scholarship and the achievements of the college in protecting, nurturing and sustaining the language must be acknowledged,” the Minister of State said.
The College Secretary John Coman welcomed the three-year scheme stating that: “Trinity College is proud to be among the first of the universities to launch a second scheme. It is clear that we have a vibrant Irish language community in College including students and staff and that the Irish language is going from strength to strength here.”
The Irish language officer, Aonghus Dwane, added: “We are delighted to be in a position to launch our second Irish Language Scheme. This is the result of cooperation with a wide range of areas across the College community. This Scheme will ensure the embedding and strengthening of the central place of Irish in College life in the years ahead.”
Further information
As a university, Trinity College has a long tradition of association with the Irish language. Ireland’s first president and Irish scholar, Douglas Hyde as well as the renowned academic and writer, Máirtín Ó Cadhain, were linked to the College. The second Irish Language Scheme 2013-2016 will support the existing work and services of Trinity’s Irish language office, the Department of Irish and Celtic languages, as well as the activities of the vibrant student society An Cumann Gaelach.
Teagmháil
Aonghus Dwane, Irish Language Officer
01 8963652 087 6232841 gaeloifig@tcd.ie www.tcd.ie/gaeloifig
27 November 2013