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Language, Culture and Religion

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What does this mean?

It’s your right to practice your own culture, language and religion, or any you choose.

No one should stop you going to mass, to the Mosque, to service or to temple.

You can speak whatever language your family chooses at home, but you may have to speak a certain language at school.

EXAMPLE: Members of the travelling community should be given special halting sites where they can live as it is a part of their culture to move around.

Learn more about this right

  • UNCRC, article 14 – it’s your right to choose your own religion and beliefs. Your parents should help you decide what is right and wrong and what is best for you.
  • UNCRC, article 30 – it’s your right to practice your own culture, language and religion – or any you choose. Minority and indigenous groups need special protection of this right.
  • One of your fundamental rights under the Irish Constitution is religious freedom. This means that no one can stop you practising your own religion in Ireland.
  • The Irish language is the first official language in Ireland. The English language is recognised as the second official language.
  • If you’re in trouble with the law, it’s your right to request a court hearing in Irish and they must wait until there is a judge and lawyers who can deliver your trial in Irish.
  • Ireland is becoming more multicultural and there are many new languages, like Russian, Polish and Lituanian being examined for the Leaving Certificate every year.