We are delighted to report a significant development following our ongoing work on behalf of our client, Mr Frankie Lanigan.
After a series of detailed representations made by our Jack Murphy of McIvor Farrell Solicitors acting on behalf of Mr Lanigan, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has confirmed that new Irish language books and learning materials are now being introduced into the Maghaberry Prison library.
This marks an important breakthrough. Until now, Irish had been effectively neglected within the prison estate and that only a handful of Irish language books were available, and no effective procurement system was in place to order more. This was in stark contrast to the support provided for other languages. Our client raised his deep concern that this amounted to unequal treatment and an erosion of his right to education and cultural identity.
Mr Lanigan has consistently shown leadership in custody by using the Irish language as a tool to bring people together. He has promoted cross-community Irish classes, attended by both Republican and Loyalist prisoners, showing how the language can be a bridge rather than a barrier. His efforts have demonstrated the positive and unifying role Irish can play within the prison environment.
While this development is welcome and represents clear progress, it is only the beginning. Much more still needs to be done to ensure that Irish speakers in custody enjoy equal access to educational and cultural resources. We will continue to act on our client’s instructions, monitor the situation carefully, and make robust representations where necessary to ensure that rights are fully respected and upheld.
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