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Language, Culture and Religion
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What does this mean?
You can speak whatever language your family chooses that you want to at home, but you may have to speak a certain language at school.
It’s your right to practice your own culture, language and religion, or any you choose. Minority or indigenous groups need special protection of this right.
Although most schools in Ireland have a Christian ethos, religion is now obligatory to learn for the Junior Cert and you learn about different religions there.
EXAMPLE: In Ireland, unlike other countries, you are free to wear whatever clothes you want that might express your religious freedom, like a cross or a hijab.
Do I have this right in Ireland?
- UNCRC, article 14 – it’s your right to choose your own religion and beliefs. Your parents should help you decide what is right and wrong and what is best for you.
- UNCRC, article 30 – it’s your right to practice your own culture, language and religion – or any you choose. Minority and indigenous groups need special protection of this right.
- Under the Official Languages Act 2003, it’s your right to request public documents in Irish. Article 8 in the Constitution explains that Irish is the official language of Ireland.
- Under Article 44 in the Constitution, it’s your right to practice any religion in Ireland.
Doing a project?
- All state documents, such as laws, bills, application forms and reports must be available and published in Irish and English.
- In 2016, 47,973 students said that English or Irish was not their first language.
- As of 2018, Lituanian and Korean are now being examined for the Junior and Senior Cycle.
- Most schools in Ireland have a Christian ethos, but there is a plan to diversify and to have 400 more multi-denominational schools by 2020.
- According to the 2016 Census in Ireland, the number of people with a religion and with no religion at that time was:
– Roman Catholic: 3,729,100 (-3.4% from 2011)
– Church of Ireland: 126,400 (-2.0% from 2011)
– Muslim: 63,400 (+28.9% from 2011)
– Orthodox: 62,200 (+37.5% from 2011)
– Other Christian: 37,400 (-9.1% from 2011)
– Presbyterian: 24,200 (-1.6% from 2011)
– Apostolic or Pentecostal: 13,400 (-4.9% from 2011)
– Other: 97,700 (+39.1% from 2011)
– No religion: 468,400 (+73.6% from 2011)
– Not stated: 125,300 (+71.8% from 2011) - Many young people play traditional and classical music and learn more about our culture through taking part in Feis Ceoil and Comhaltas. In 2017, the Feis Ceoil celebrated its 120th year.
- Seachtain na Gaeilge is a two week celebration of Ireland’s national language and culture.
- Culture Night happens every year in September, all over Ireland. This night celebrates culture, creativity and the arts.
Links to other organisations
- The Yellow Flag Programme – The Yellow Flag Programme promotes inclusion and celebrates diversity in primary and secondary schools
- Pavee Point– Learn more about Irish Travellers and Roma from Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre.
- Foras na Gaeilge – Foras na Gaeilge is responsible for promoting the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland.
- Seachtain na Gaeilge – Find out more about Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week), an annual international Irish language festival.
- Music Generation – Into music? Take a look at what Music Generation does around the country.
- Baboró – Baboró is an international arts festival for children, based in Galway.
- National Association of Youth Drama – There are youth theatres all over the country. Find out more from the National Association of Youth Drama
- Fighting Words – Learn about the Fighting Words creative writing centre. And read some children’s stories too!
- Culture Night – Culture night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts in Ireland.
- Africa Day – A celebration of African culture and heritage in different venues around the country
