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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