"Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam." This old Irish saying translates to "A land without a language is a land without a soul." As an Irish citizen, I believe it is our solemn duty to preserve and revive our native language, ensuring its place not only in our history but as a vibrant and living part of our culture today. One impactful way to achieve this is by making the ability to speak Irish a mandatory requirement for university applications in Ireland.

Ireland's rich heritage is intimately tied to the Irish language, yet, despite recent efforts to promote it, Irish is not as widely spoken as it once was. According to the Central Statistics Office, in the 2016 Census, only 1.76 million people were able to speak Irish, with a smaller number using it daily. Without proactive measures, our native tongue risks further decline into obscurity.

Introducing a requirement for all university applicants to demonstrate proficiency in Irish would not only bolster the number of active speakers but also elevate the prestige of the language, making proficiency a valued skill and symbol of national pride. Universities are crucibles of our future leaders, innovators, and culture bearers. Embedding Irish language proficiency into their admission criteria would set a strong precedent and serve as a powerful catalyst in reinvigorating its use across the country.

Critically, this proposal should be supported by a foundational enhancement in Irish language education, starting from primary education and carrying through secondary education, ensuring students are sufficiently equipped to meet these university standards. Supportive measures could include enhanced teacher training, enriched resources, and immersive language experiences.

This initiative not only aids in preserving our national identity but also enriches the intellectual and cultural fabric of our nation. By taking this vital step, we honor our ancestors and commit ourselves to a future where the Irish language thrives.

Join me in urging the Department of Education and Skills to take action now. Sign this petition to make Irish speaking ability a mandatory requirement for university applications, and help safeguard our unique cultural legacy for generations to come.