Meeting of the Parliament 09 June 2015
The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-13316, in the name of Angus MacDonald, on the 10th anniversary of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.
Members will be aware that there is a Gaelic translation service for the debate, as previously intimated by the Presiding Officer. Headsets have been placed on desks, and the service can be found on audio channel 2.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the 10th anniversary on 1 June of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 receiving Royal Assent; welcomes progress being made in bringing to fruition the priorities of the National Gaelic Language Plan; believes that Gaelic education has helped to reverse the decline of Scotland’s indigenous language; welcomes research conducted for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which found the value of Gaelic to businesses and communities to be up to £148.5 million per annum, demonstrating that what it considers the currently modest investment in Gaelic translates into a significant economic contribution, not just in the Highlands and Islands but in the central belt of Scotland; congratulates Bòrd na Gàidhlig on its work to promote the Gaelic language and culture and to encourage the many community groups that are creating opportunities for speakers of all ages and backgrounds while acknowledging that it is today’s young children who will keep Gaelic alive and flourishing in the future, and notes calls for all of Scotland to participate in the task already underway of stemming and reversing the decline of the Gaelic language to ensure its survival in the long term.
17:07Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.