Foster pledge welcomed by Irish language speakers

UTV spoke to Irish language speakers on Thursday to gauge reaction. Credit: UTV

Irish speakers have welcomed DUP leader Arlene Foster’s pledge to better understand the language.

While the talks at Stormont have been winding down for Easter, the debate has continued around the key issues.

UTV visited the Chultúrlann centre in west Belfast to gauge reaction to Ms Foster’s comments.

Janet Muller from Pobal - a group that represents Irish speakers - said: “We welcome engagement from all political parties and sections of society.

“We want to explain why we need a strong, rights-based Irish Language Act to ensure the language is protected properly.

“If we end up with an act that is weak it will simply create frustration and we don’t need that, we need to go forward positively.”