Monthly Archives: March 2016

DYFODOL I’R IAITH CALLS FOR A ROBUST ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE IN PLANNING MATTERS

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A robust Standard framework is needed to assess Welsh language impact in planning matters.

This is the conclusion Dyfodol i’r Iaith has come to following the passing of last year’s Planning Bill. Dyfodol believes that such a framework must offer an acknowledged methodology, based upon linguistic and local expertise in addition to town and rural planning input.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith have drawn up comments on the guidelines of the Technical Advice 20: Planning and the Welsh Language, which was updated to reflect the new requirements in relation to the language.

Ruth Richards, Dyfodol’s Chief Executive said,

“ Establishing a standard methodology is of key importance if we are to build upon the gains of the Planning Bill. We would draw the Government’s attention to the good practice that is already developing in relation to the Gwynedd and Môn Development Plan.

In this case, it was agreed that evidence regarding the Welsh language be reviewed. The Gwynedd and Môn Housing and Planning Campaign Committee (which includes representation from Dyfodol i’r Iaith, Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Cylch yr Iaith and Canolfan Hanes Uwchgwyrfai) are commissioning an independent specialist assessment which will be considered as part of the review. We hope that this process and the co-operation behind it will establish a pattern for good practice throughout Wales.”

 

DYFODOL I’R IAITH WELCOMES THE GOVERNMENT’S EVALUATION OF WELSH MEDIUM EDUCATION, AND LOOKS FORWARD TO PROGRESS

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has welcomed the Government’s Evaluation of Welsh Medium Education. The Evaluation clearly shows that the Government has positive policies on the one hand, but that, on the other, targets have not been reached.

The Government has been receiving weak Schemes from Local Authorities, which has led to some counties not moving one step forward in ten years. The Evaluation states that there has been a lack of strategic planning to support the growth in Welsh-medium education amongst many local authorities and providers.

The Evaluation makes it clear that planning for Welsh-medium education has not been taking place on the basis of demand, which is one of the principles of the Government’s Strategy.

The Evaluation states that the Governments needs to clearly state its expectations that partners plan suitably in order to increase provision, and where appropriate, to stimulate demand in order to realise the Government’s vision for the growth of Welsh-medium education.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith looks forward to the next Welsh Government getting to grips with correcting past ineffectiveness and implementing processes to ensure the increase of Welsh-medium education.

DYFODOL I’R IAITH CALL FOR A MEETING WITH S4C’S AUTHORITY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO RE-ESTABLISH THE CHANNEL’S COMMITTMENT TO PROMOTING THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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Following S4C’s recent campaign to impose English subtitles on some programmes, Dyfodol i’r Iaith have called for a meeting with the channel’s Authority and Chief Executive.

The organisation hopes that such a meeting will provide an opportunity to express their anxiety over the channel’s recent policy direction, which undermines its core mission to provide a natural domain for the Welsh language.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith will press for a rejection of any future plans in relation to the imposition of English subtitles and for a balanced and optional provision of subtitles in both Welsh and English. The meeting would also provide an opportunity to express concern over the increasing use of English, particularly within dramas and factual programmes.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“S4C’s recent campaign to impose English subtitles has been a failure, with viewers, and younger viewers in particular, expressing their opposition on social media. It became clear that viewers are unwilling to see the Welsh language undermined in this way. As an organisation, we will be pressing upon S4C to adopt an enlightened policy that promotes and normalises the Welsh language.as the guiding principle of the Service.”