Chamber
Plenary, 29 Jan 2009
29 Jan 2009 · S3 · Plenary
Item of business
Gaelic Language Plan
I have decided that I should give my closing speech in English. I did not give a written translation of what I am about to say to the parliamentary team, so I have to speak in English.
I am gladdened by the strength of feeling that all speakers expressed in the debate. I do not think that I heard one dissenting voice. Members made various suggestions about how not only the Gaelic language but the communities in which it is spoken might be strengthened. The minister said that a development officer might soon be appointed to promote the Gaelic plan.
It is all very well to have a Gaelic plan—I think that all the public agencies have produced theirs, and I understand that most councils have produced plans—
I am gladdened by the strength of feeling that all speakers expressed in the debate. I do not think that I heard one dissenting voice. Members made various suggestions about how not only the Gaelic language but the communities in which it is spoken might be strengthened. The minister said that a development officer might soon be appointed to promote the Gaelic plan.
It is all very well to have a Gaelic plan—I think that all the public agencies have produced theirs, and I understand that most councils have produced plans—
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alex Fergusson):
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S3M-3324, in the name of Linda Fabiani, on the Gaelic language plan. Interruption. Could I have order please?...
The Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture (Linda Fabiani):
SNP
Feasgar math. Is e latha cudromach a tha ann airson Riaghaltas na h-Alba agus cùisean Gàidhlig. Tha sinn air a bhith ag obair gu dìcheallach airson taic a th...
Following is the simultaneous interpretation:
SNP
Good afternoon. This is a very important day for the Scottish Government and for Gaelic matters. We have been working hard to support Gaelic in many ways: in...
The member continued in English.
SNP
I am pleased to announce today that the Scottish Government has published its consultation paper for our draft Gaelic language plan. I am very pleased with i...
Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab):
Lab
I congratulate the minister on her Gaelic introduction. I will save my effort for my summing up, to give me a chance to practise. It sounds like the minister...
Ted Brocklebank (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
Feasgar math agus mòran taing. Tha mi glè thoilichte a bhith a' bruidhinn air Gàidhlig.
Following is the simultaneous interpretation:
Con
Good afternoon and thank you. I am very happy to be here talking about Gaelic.
The member continued in English.
Con
I will limit my Gaelic introduction to those few words—a hurtful friend from Berneray asked me whether I was trying to speak Japanese in Alasdair Allan's rec...
John Farquhar Munro (Ross, Skye and Inverness West) (LD):
LD
Tha mi toilichte agus pròiseil gu bheil deasbad againn an-diugh ann an Gàidhlig. Tha mi pròiseil dha-rìribh gun do thòisich am ministear a' chiad phàirt dhen...
Following is the simultaneous interpretation:
LD
I am very happy to be taking part in this debate on Gaelic, and I am very proud of the minister, who gave the first part of her speech in Gaelic. That is a b...
Alasdair Allan (Western Isles) (SNP):
SNP
Tha mi a' toirt fàilte chridheil gu òraid a' mhinisteir, gu plana Gàidhlig an Riaghaltais agus dhan chonaltradh a tha a' fosgladh an-diugh. Tha mi an dòchas ...
Following is the simultaneous interpretation:
SNP
I give a warm welcome to the minister's speech on the Gaelic plan and the consultation that starts today. I hope that everyone will take part in the associat...
Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Lab):
Lab
I am happy to contribute to the debate. I have the honour of contributing a very small footnote to the history of this young Parliament—indeed, to the histor...
Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
Like all other members in this debate, I warmly welcome the motion and the amendment. It is essential that we recognise the importance of the Gaelic language...
Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
As a Highlands and Islands representative, I realise Gaelic's potential to underpin the recovery of the north, the west and the islands, and realise that we ...
Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab):
Lab
Following the rather fraught scenes of yesterday afternoon, with ministers scurrying back and forward with hastily scribbled notes, I am delighted to offer r...
Dave Thompson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
Tha mi glè thoilichte a bhith an seo an-diugh, ach cha bhi mi a' bruidhinn anns a' Ghàidhlig. Tha mi duilich, ach chan eil mi deiseil deasbad a dhèanamh anns...
Following is the simultaneous interpretation:
SNP
I am very pleased to be here today, but I will not be speaking in Gaelic. I am sorry, but I am not ready to do a debate in Gaelic.
The member continued in English:
SNP
Tomorrow night in Skye, I will attend a Burns supper that will be held in Gaelic. I will give members a wee preview:Tha biadh aig cuid 's gun aca càil,Tha cà...
Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab):
Lab
I will begin where Rob Gibson began and reflect on my experience of interacting with the Gaelic community and coming to recognise just what a precious part o...
Rob Gibson:
SNP
The experience in Wales shows that people have no problem dealing with bilingual signs. Perhaps we should unite to urge the minister to tell the people who a...
Peter Peacock:
Lab
I concur absolutely. I was about to say that, when I was in Canada last summer, I did not see any greater road carnage as a result of bilingual signs. I have...
Willie Coffey (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP):
SNP
I am so envious of my colleagues who can stand here and deliver a speech in Gaelic as either their first or second language. I ask for your sympathy, Presidi...
John Farquhar Munro:
LD
Mòran taing. Thug mi a' chiad òraid agam seachad anns a' Ghàidhlig, ach tha mi a' dèanamh dheth gum bi mi a cheart cho math dìreach an dàrna òraid agam a tho...
Following is the simultaneous interpretation:
LD
I made my opening speech in Gaelic, but I think that it would be better if I gave my closing speech in English. It worries me a little that I am here on my o...
The member continued in English.
LD
I have decided that I should give my closing speech in English. I did not give a written translation of what I am about to say to the parliamentary team, so ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan):
SNP
I am sorry to interrupt, but could you stop clicking your pen? I think that it is causing a problem for the sound engineer.
John Farquhar Munro:
LD
Just a slight distraction, Presiding Officer. Thank you.The Gaelic plans that have been produced are welcome and represent a great stride forward from the si...
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
My great-great-grandfather was a Gaelic speaker, but I regret to say that he failed to pass it on. I am really sad that I do not speak Gaelic, but this immer...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
I suppose that it depends for how long.