Simultaneous Interpretation of Assembly Business in Irish and Ulster Scots

Part of Committee Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 5:45 pm on 15 June 2021.

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Photo of Carál Ní Chuilín Carál Ní Chuilín Sinn Féin 5:45, 15 June 2021

No, we did not do a survey. I will address some of the Member's concerns at the end of my comments, if he does not mind. The direct answer to his question is, "No, we did not".

Other Members have spoken about the need for Ulster Scots. To be fair, the Committee noted that position. We were very respectful about the difference in its development, but, in considering demand, we have to consider not only our requirements as Members but those of Committee witnesses.

The Committee therefore recognises that there will be challenges for the Commission. In undertaking the recruitment, it will be necessary to test the market. That is a prudent way to go.

I want to depart from the Committee's position and say a few words on my own behalf in response to some of the commentary. I am making that clear in case some of the things that I say offend people. I will address Mr Allister's point at the end. When we look at section 75, do we ask how many gay people are in the Assembly before we provide equality for them? No, we absolutely do not. Anyone who asks questions like that needs to be put out of the Chamber. OK? In relation to the amendment, a Robbie, go díreach cúpla focal le rá ar dtús: tóg é agus tiocfaidh siad. Build it, and they will come. That is what we need to do, because tá mé ag foghlaim na Gaeilge. Tá mo chlann líofa sa Ghaeilge; níl mé líofa go fóill. I am not fluent yet, but I hope to be, and my kids and grandkids are fluent. We need to appeal not only to people outside this Chamber but to representatives who, hopefully, will be here in the future.