About Us
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge is the central steering council for the Irish language community. Its mission is to 'strengthen and consolidate goodwill and support for the Irish language and its usage as a living language so that it may be used freely and widely in all aspects of Irish life'.
Background
An Chomhdháil was established in 1943. Its role is to act as a co-ordinating body for voluntary Irish language organisations. (The National Youth Council of Ireland and The Irish Congress of Trade Unions are similar umbrella organisations). The board of the not-for-profit organisation is made up of representatives of its 23 member organisations. The secretariat of An Chomhdháil, 10 employees, is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation.
The organisation currently sees it's role as providing leadership to those involved in community and voluntary work on behalf of the Irish language; to provide analysis of Government policies with reference to the language and the development and promotion of new policy measures. In practice this means developing policies which are broadly acceptable to all member organisations and have their support, political lobbying in support of various issues and the undertaking of new and innovative projects.
Lobbying and Advocacy
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge is the primary language lobby dealing with State legislation. An Chomdháil examines all bills passing through the Houses of Parliament and liases with politicians with the aim of achieving amendments to legislation thus ensuring a political approach and legislative basis to the status given to the language in our Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann).
An Chomhdháil was the driving force behind the recent language legislation, the Official Languages Act 2003. This was a very significant achievement and is a source of hope for all language activists. An Chomhdháil now monitors the implementation of the Act.
An Chomhdháil also monitors any proposed changes to Government policy in the area of language.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge have a very proactive approach to ICT and new methods of communications. This is applied both in-house and in our dealings with the wider community.
Comhdháil founded and manages, www.gaelport.com, which acts as portal site for Irish language speakers with details of all the latest language news, employment opportunities, cultural events and language classes available.
In addition Comhdháil produces and distributes a fortnightly e-newsletter which reaches over 3000 email subscribes. This has been a valuable addition to the Irish language community both at home and abroad and is the first of its kind.
Comhdháil also distributes a monthly e-newsletter to radio broadcasters.
