Learning Irish is a right to treasure
February 15, 2011
I HAVE heard the recent reports on Fine Gael’s plans to make the Irish language an optional subject at Leaving Cert level.
As a Leaving Cert student myself, I was outraged at these reports and fear that the right of the young people of this country to learn and speak Irish is in jeopardy. I am not from the Gaeltacht and I am not a fluent Irish-speaker, but I love this language and I can guarantee you that I represent the views of the young Irish people who are afraid to speak out on this issue.
I have recently turned 18 and so will have a vote in the upcoming election. Politicians of this country need to hear the response from the young people — every day I hear adults discussing the effects that this decision will have on us, the young people, but what about how we feel? We are the future of this country, and we are also the new and upcoming electorate. It is time for our voices to be heard.
Ruth Lawlor
Tramore, Co waterford
Irish Independent – Litir chuig an Eagarthóir
