Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots ‘delighted’ to host Irish language event

Stormont’s Speaker Edwin Poots has said he was “delighted” to host an Irish language event at Parliament Buildings on Thursday.

The DUP MLA hosted the event to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week).

“I was delighted today to host this event to mark Seachtain na Gaelige to recognise its importance to many in the Assembly and our society,” he said.

Seachtain na Gaeilge runs from March 1-17 and aims to promote the Irish language and culture across the island and all around the world.

Mr Poots hosted a short seminar in the Parliament Buildings, which explained the Irish meaning and derivation of townland names.

“Today’s event, focussing on the origins of the names of many of our townlands, was also a chance for those with little or no knowledge of Irish to reflect on the historical influence of the Irish language around us,” he said

The event also included opening remarks by Cuisle Nic Liam, Language Rights Co-Ordinator, from Conradh na Gaeilgeon, on the wider Seachtain na Gaeilge programme.

Poots said he hoped other MLAs found the seminar as educational as he did.

“As someone with a keen personal interest in history, it was a pleasure to offer this opportunity for MLAs from all parties to come together for a really informative and entertaining event,” he said.

It comes a day after DUP Education Minister Paul Givan said the Irish language "belongs to all of us” during a visit to an Irish medium primary school in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.