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 coordinating 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.
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge is a non-profit organisation working in the Irish language sector. It is not a State or semi-state organisation and the same is true of its members.
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 enacment of 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 Services
Comhdháil founded and manages, www.gaelport.com, a key information website which publishes Irish language news as well employment vacancies, cultural events and language classes.
A voice for the Irish language voluntary sector, the website welcomes information, notices and photos from organisations as well as community groups and others working in the Irish language field. Contact eolas@gaelport.com for details.
In addition Comhdháil produces and distributes a fortnightly e-newsletter, EOLAS which reaches over 6,700 email subscribers every second Tuesday. This has been a valuable addition to the Irish language community both at home and abroad and is the first of its kind. The newsletter is available in bilingual and in Irish language format and a full archive is listed on Gaelport.com.
As na Nuachtáin which means 'From the Papers', is a daily digest of news articles published in the national and regional media which impact on the Irish language. This e-zine is of particular use to those working in the Irish language sector as well as for journalists and those who have an interest in current affairs and language issues.
Comhdháil also publishes a monthly e-zine Cogar which is aimed at radio broadcasters. This service is provided in conjunction with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Further information about Cogar is available on the website Cogar.ie.
For some time now, An Chomhdháil has contributed to Foinse which is published every Wednesday in the Irish Independent. An Chomhdháil contributes stories from the Irish language sector as well as other topical stories with an Irish language slant in the section, Nuacht na hEarnála.
