Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has accused Minister Gordon Lyons of outright opposition to the Irish language.
Speaking after the DUP Communities Minister appeared in front of the Communities Committee, the deputy chair said, “Gordon Lyons’ attempt to gaslight people to distract from his disgraceful approach to the Irish language lacks any credibility.
“While consistently finding money for his pet projects, he has taken every opportunity to block, undermine and delay the rights and entitlements of the Irish language community.
“The record of this minister and his party is irrefutable evidence of their hostility and disrespect towards the Irish identity and culture. Crocodile comments, opposition to Acht Gaeilge, the disgraceful Líofa decision, blocking additional funding for north-south bodies and now the refusal to bring forward a language strategy.
“This minister, with responsibility for promoting the Irish language, has squandered public funds to oppose the Irish language in court cases, he has removed his department’s trilingual branding and attempted to scupper the Place-Names Project.
“The minister’s record and that of his party speaks volumes: delay, block, frustrate, ignore, and then deflect.
“The reality is that Gordon Lyons and the DUP are ideologically and personally opposed to equality, rights and respect. Actions speak louder than words.”
