Agenda item

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of report or summary of main issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to submit for approval of a Language Strategy Action Plan (October 2018 to March 2020) and to provide an update on developments including a Film Project.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The SP&R Committee is asked to:

·        Approve the Language Strategy Action Plan October 2018 - March 2020.

·        Note the development of a film project;

·        Discuss the secondment of the NI Assembly’s Irish language translator to the Council which would be reviewed on a monthly basis

3.0       Main report

3.1       Background to Language Strategy progress

            Following the consultation, a Language Strategy Action Plan which outlines the objectives for implementation of the strategy during the period from October 2018 to March 2020 is attached at Appendix 1. Each of the objectives contributes to at least one aim of the agreed Language Strategy.

            The Committee is asked to approve the Language Strategy Action Plan for October 2018 to March 2020.

            The SP&R Committee will be aware that a Language Strategy 2018-23 was launched on Monday 14 May 2018.  Keynote speaker was Professor Janice Carruthers of Queens’s University Belfast, where she works in partnership with both Stormont and Westminster to provide advice on linguistic issues, including language policy; education, social inclusion and identity.

            Professor’s Carruthers message focused on the challenges and opportunities which linguistic diversity brings in achieving the Belfast Agenda outcomes. Press comments included positive reference to the strategic approach to linguistic diversity.

            Resourcing the delivery of the Language Strategy was the first step towards its implementation and two new Officers are now in post within the Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU):

·        Irish Language Officer - Colm McGuigan

·        Language Officer - Michael Johnston

3.2       Other Key Issues - Film Project

            As part of this plan, the Equality and Diversity Unit has commenced planning for a film project in line with the aims of the Language Strategy. Both Language Officers will work with QUB film placement students to produce material which provides an insight to different languages and those people who use it. The format and content of the production/s is still under design, but will include screening to all those who participated and plans for dissemination of the material. Marketing and Corporate Communications will be kept informed of the progress of this.

3.3       Other Key Issues – Tom Clarke

            Tom Clarke, the NI Assembly’s Irish language translator has contacted the Council to discuss a secondment to the Council. Mr Clarke’s salary would continue to be paid during his secondment with reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed. The SP&R Committee is asked to discuss whether to agree to this secondment.

            Other Key Issues

3.4       Financial & Resource Implications

            The action plan delivered within the 18/19 financial is covered by current budgets. The budget required for 19/20 will be included in the estimates.

3.5       Equality, good relations or rural needs implications

            The promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations are key principles within which the Language Strategy is delivered. The original screening document was included as part of the public consultation from which the Strategy was developed and an updated screening for equality, good relations and rural needs is underway.”

            After discussion, it was

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor O’Donnell,

      That the Committee agrees to the secondment of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Irish language translator to the Council, to be reviewed on a monthly basis. 

            On a vote by show of hands eight Members voted for the proposal and three against and it was declared carried.

            The Committee noted the development of the film project and approved the Language Strategy Action Plan from October 2018 to March 2020.