Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has reacted to the First Minister’s statement about the timetable for introducing language standards.

The language pressure group launched a campaign for establishing the right to health care in Welsh; the right to work in Welsh; and the right to play in Welsh in the new language standards. In the launch at the National Eisteddfod in August this year, a pledge supporting those rights was signed by Assembly Members Keith Davies, Elin Jones and Aled Roberts. 

The group had given the First Minister until the 1st February to state his intention to establish those rights as part of a package of six policies they believe are needed to respond adequately to the Census results. The pressure group will be holding a rally in Aberystwyth on December 14th to remind the Government of the expectation and responsibility they have to act immediately for the benefit of the language.

Siân Howys, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg rights spokesperson commented: “It’s about time the First Minister delivered rights for the public so everyone can live their lives in Welsh - rights such as the right to leisure activities after school in Welsh, the right to learn the language and use it in the workplace, and the right of patients to receive health care in the language. That’s the way for the Government to deliver its language strategy and wish to increase the use of Welsh amongst young people. The Government will see the shortcomings of the present system at our rally in Aberystwyth in December, as people from all over Wales bring examples of where these rights are not respected.

“The Government made a clear promise in its language strategy that standards would be put in place for the private sector and voluntary sector as well as the public sector. What is the timeline for setting standards for private companies and other bodies?”