WIREDGOV

Speaking in the Senedd, the First Minister set out the steps that will be taken in response to the Review of the Work of the Mentrau Iaith, Language Action Plans and the Aman Tawe Language Promotion Scheme, as well as the report of the Welsh Speaking Communities Task and Finish Group, which has considered how to increase the number of Welsh speaking communities.

Welcoming both reports, the First Minister said the findings of each will form part of a policy statement setting out the Welsh Government’s vision for the language over the next three years.

Work will now begin to address the challenges raised by the reviews. This includes increasing the status and influence of the Mentrau Iaith by encouraging better planning and a more consistent approach to promoting the language across Wales.

The First Minister said:

“We remain committed to promoting the use of the Welsh language in communities across Wales and these reports were commissioned to help us understand how best to do this.

“We know that organisations, such as the Mentrau Iaith, are a powerful and valuable tool in promoting the language and we want to ensure that this continues into the future, while at the same time strengthening the impact and influence they have.

“We will also look at the important issues raised by the Welsh Speaking Communities Group report, which focuses on education and the economy - key factors in the promotion of the language. We have to make sure that we revitalise these rural communities, making them social and economic hubs, with attractive opportunities that encourage young people to stay in the area.”

He continued:

“I will be presenting a policy statement later this spring which will bring together the findings of all of the reviews which have recently taken place as well as Y Gynhadledd Fawr. The statement will set out our vision for the language and provide a clear basis for our work over the next three years.”

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