CROSS-PARTY WELCOME FOR RECOGNITION OF GAELIC IN EUROPE

The Scottish and UK Governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Brussels today  taking the use of Gaelic in the EU institutions a step closer.

Minister for Culture Michael Russell said: "I am very pleased that the Scottish Government's strong advocacy for Gaelic has finally paid off, and that UKREP have at last accepted the case for according Gaelic European recognition.  

“I commend and am grateful for the level of cooperation that has been achieved between the two governments on this matter and welcome the progress made on making the use of Gaelic in Europe a possibility.

"I hope to attend the meeting of the EU Culture Council in November and very much look forward to being able to address the Council in Gaelic.

"This is a significant step forward for the recognition of Gaelic both at home and abroad and I look forward to addressing the Council in Gaelic very soon.  

“Seeing Gaelic spoken in such a forum raises the profile of the language as we drive forward our commitment to creating a new generation of Gaelic speakers in Scotland."

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, also welcomed the news that the Scottish and UK Governments have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels on the Gaelic language which will take the use of Gaelic in EU institutions a step closer.

From now on Scottish Gaelic speakers can write directly to EU bodies in their mother tongue if they wish and receive a reply in that language.

Dr Allan commented: "I am delighted that the Gaelic language has received another boost with the signing of today's Memorandum of Understanding and that Gaelic is finally receiving European recognition.

"This is a significant step forward for the recognition of the Gaelic language, particularly with the Scottish Government's ambitious targets of creating a new generation of Scottish Gaelic speakers.

“Obviously, today's news is symbolic to some degree, but a sign of commitment.

"I hope that one day soon we may also see Gaelic accepted as one of the 'official' languages of the EU, of which there are currently 23, but for the moment I am sure that this is a measure which all supporters of Gaelic will welcome."

The Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy also welcomed the official recognition for Gaelic which allows the language to be used in  formal business with the European Union.

Mr Murphy said: "This move is a strong sign of the UK Government's support for Scottish Gaelic and its ongoing relevancy in the modern world.

It is particularly fitting that the news comes a few days before the beginning of the Royal National Mod 2009, Scotland's annual celebration of the Gaelic language and culture, which forms an international showcase for our shared heritage.

“Allowing Gaelic speakers to communicate with European

institutions in their mother tongue is a progressive step forward and one which should be welcomed."

Speaking in Brussels today Sir Kim Darroch, UK Permanent Representative to the EU, said: "These arrangements will help to build a closer link between EU institutions and speakers of Scottish Gaelic, by allowing them to raise their concerns and have them addressed directly in their native language.

“It also further promotes the long and rich cultural heritage of the Scottish people here in the EU."

"We are continuing our efforts to support the use of the UK's regional  languages with other EU institutions. We hope to conclude arrangements with the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the EU Ombudsman very soon."

The arrangement allows for passive interpretation for Ministers attending Council meetings (i.e. speeches can be translated from Scottish Gaelic into English, but responses will not be translated back into Scottish Gaelic).

Additionally, citizens can write to EU institutions and receive written responses in Gaelic.

It does not affect the list of 23 "official" languages of the EU.

It only concerns EU institutions which have concluded an administrative arrangement with the UK Government, currently the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions and the Council of the European Union. Similar arrangements currently exist for languages such as Catalan, Basque and Galician.