Ancient law banning Irish language in NI courts finally repealed

In a historic victory for Irish language campaigners in Northern Ireland, the UK Government today repealed an almost 300 year-old statute prohibiting the use of non-English languages in the jurisdiction’s courts. The Administration of Justice Act 1737 makes specific reference to banning “any other tongue or language whatsoever” and has long been seen as a major barrier to … [Read more...] about Ancient law banning Irish language in NI courts finally repealed

IRELAND’S upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union offers the nation a “significant opportunity” to lead the European agenda, the Tánaiste said today. Ireland will hold the presidency from July to December 2026, during which time Irish Ministers will chair meetings of the Council and steer the EU’s legislative and policy agenda. Speaking as the government … [Read more...] about Ireland’s EU presidency will offer ‘significant opportunity’ to lead European agenda

POLICE have issued a public update following a shooting in west Belfast over the weekend. An investigation is underway after two masked gunmen shot a man in broad daylight on Sunday morning, February 23. The 49-year-old was targeted as he sat in a stationary taxi on in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry. The gunmen fired shots at him through the window of the car before … [Read more...] about Update issued following ‘disturbing’ attempted murder in Belfast

A NEW report into the experience of Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland has found that they experience racism in ‘all aspects’ of life. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty has today released three memoranda examining the human rights situation of both communities in Finland, Ireland and Slovakia. Each report features country-specific … [Read more...] about Anti-Traveller racism ‘permeates all aspects of life in Ireland’ claims Council of Europe report

POLICE have named a woman who died after being involved in a collision in Co. Down over the weekend. Isobel Murphy was walking in the Ballygowan Road area in Comber when she was hit by a car at around 4.45pm on February 22. The incident occurred in Ballygowan Road, Comber The 80-year-old, who hailed from the Braeside area of Comber, died at the scene. Officers investigating the … [Read more...] about Police name pedestrian killed in Co. Down collision as Isobel Murphy