Speaking after joining a demonstration at Stormont organised by An Dream Dearg and Irish language groups, Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Thirteen years ago the British government made commitments to an Irish Language Act as part of the St Andrew’s Agreement.

These commitments have yet to be implemented and it’s disgraceful that all these years later, Irish speaking children are still forced to take to the streets to protest for their rights."

O'Neill added: "There is a clear and growing demand across society for an end to the rights and equality deficit that exists in the north. 

That was the message from today’s demonstration, loud and clear. Irish speaking children threaten no one. The Irish language threatens no one, it is inclusive and it is thriving across our island."

The Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister continued: “As the new talks process continues, we believe there is a way forward and that the outstanding issues can be resolved. That requires political will from both governments and all the political parties." 

Sinn Féin, she said, "will continue to support the campaign for an Acht Gaeilge which includes rights and legal protections for Irish speakers in the north, just as exists elsewhere on these islands.”