New Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds Vows to Promote Gaelic

Pól Deeds has officially begun his role as the new Commissioner for the Irish Language in Northern Ireland, facing the challenge of promoting the language amid political complexities. Having previously served as the Deputy Chief Executive of Foras na Gaeilge and managed the Irish language centre An Droichead in South Belfast, he is eager to tackle the responsibilities that come with this significant position.

Deeds’ appointment came just before this year’s Oireachtas na Gaeilge in Belfast, but it has been a long journey. His name surfaced publicly back in August, months after the recruitment process commenced in early 2023. The delay in his appointment was attributed to political sensitivities surrounding the language, which has been a contentious issue in Northern Ireland.

His term, which offers an annual salary of £88,000 or €100,000, is expected to span five years. During this time, he aims to achieve various goals for the Irish-speaking community. At a recent meeting with Irish language speakers in the Clonard Community Centre, he expressed optimism about his potential impact but acknowledged the complexities of his role.

In an interview with The Journal, Deeds articulated his understanding of the challenges at the intersection of politics and language. “Depending on who you’re speaking with, there are people demanding significant changes, and undoubtedly, some public authorities are ready to act but lack the necessary incentives,” he noted. He also recognized the pressure from certain nationalist parties, such as the SDLP and Sinn Féin, for the commissioner to meet the community’s expectations.

Deeds emphasized that he does not see himself as merely an advocate for the Irish language but rather as a facilitator for broader societal engagement. “I’m here to serve the entire community and the State, not just the Irish-speaking population,” he clarified. He aims to promote the use of Irish in public life while respecting the legal framework he is bound to uphold.

Despite the absence of formal powers at this stage, Deeds remains proactive. He has already been involved in discussions with the Department for Communities regarding the language strategy, which he is expected to contribute to, even while some critics claim he lacks authority to effect change immediately.

His role also intersects with ongoing debates about bilingual signage, particularly regarding the proposed Irish-English signs at the Grand Central Station in Belfast. This has sparked controversy, as some public representatives, including Jamie Bryson, have voiced opposition to the initiative, while the community expects the language to be visible in public spaces, a point Deeds supports.

Deeds is also addressing concerns about the lack of an Irish language news programme on BBC Northern Ireland (BBC Gaeilge), highlighting the contrast with BBC Alba, which offers nightly news in Scottish Gaelic. He has reached out to the director of BBC Northern Ireland, Adam Smyth, to discuss community demands for better representation.

Looking ahead, Deeds aims to establish best practice standards within his term. He envisions a future where the public services reflect an inclusive approach to the Irish language and considers it essential to foster goodwill around minority language issues. “By the end of my term, I want to ensure we have frameworks that support best practices in language use,” he stated, emphasizing his ambition for meaningful change.

Pól Deeds’ tenure marks a pivotal moment for the Irish language in Northern Ireland, as he seeks to navigate the intricate landscape of politics and community expectations to promote and protect the language effectively.