Use of Welsh within County Hall is on the increase with a plan to take that further, councillors have been told. Cabinet member for the Welsh language Cllr Cris Tomos responded to a question from the public at Thursday’s full council meeting (February 21).
Cllr Tomos, Cabinet member for Welsh language said a “Welsh language culture is definitely developing within the authority” as it pushes forward its five year strategy to promote the use of Welsh.He said he would like to see greater use of the Welsh language and encouraged the 20 per cent of members who are bilingual to use it more often.
The purchasing of translation equipment could be considered in the future if the use of Welsh was increased at meetings.Dave Edwards’ question highlighted that nearly 20 per cent of people in Pembrokeshire use Welsh in their everyday lives.
It added: “Unfortunately, although the constitution gives equal status to Welsh and English, in the 23 years of its existence, only one Councillor has addressed the Council in Welsh on a regular basis.
“The inevitable consequence of this is that English appears to be the only language of governing in Pembrokeshire. Clearly, this linguistic lacking does nothing to promote the use of the language within the county.
“What plans do the Cabinet Member for the Welsh language have to promote the use of the language by members during discussions so that the language that they use in the Tea Room also becomes the language that they use in the Council Chamber?”
Responding bilingually Cllr Tomos said the strategy looked at the use of Welsh in communities, schools and work places with the authority, encouraging its use.
Council staff can take Welsh lessons and a number of front-line posts required that it be spoke or learnt on employment.
Simultaneous translation is available but requires notice to be given, he added.
Cllr Tomos, Cabinet member for Welsh language said a “Welsh language culture is definitely developing within the authority” as it pushes forward its five year strategy to promote the use of Welsh.He said he would like to see greater use of the Welsh language and encouraged the 20 per cent of members who are bilingual to use it more often.
The purchasing of translation equipment could be considered in the future if the use of Welsh was increased at meetings.Dave Edwards’ question highlighted that nearly 20 per cent of people in Pembrokeshire use Welsh in their everyday lives.
It added: “Unfortunately, although the constitution gives equal status to Welsh and English, in the 23 years of its existence, only one Councillor has addressed the Council in Welsh on a regular basis.
“The inevitable consequence of this is that English appears to be the only language of governing in Pembrokeshire. Clearly, this linguistic lacking does nothing to promote the use of the language within the county.
“What plans do the Cabinet Member for the Welsh language have to promote the use of the language by members during discussions so that the language that they use in the Tea Room also becomes the language that they use in the Council Chamber?”
Responding bilingually Cllr Tomos said the strategy looked at the use of Welsh in communities, schools and work places with the authority, encouraging its use.
Council staff can take Welsh lessons and a number of front-line posts required that it be spoke or learnt on employment.
Simultaneous translation is available but requires notice to be given, he added.
