Written - Iaith Pawb and Welsh Language Scheme Annual Report 2009-10

I am pleased to announce that the Welsh Assembly Government has today published its 2009-10 report on progress with regard to Iaith Pawb, the National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales, alongside its report on progress in implementing its Welsh language scheme.

The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to promote and support the Welsh language and to work towards the aim of creating a fully bilingual Wales.

The ‘One Wales’ policy document set out our commitment as a Government to confer legislative powers for the Welsh language on the National Assembly for Wales.

Key achievements this year have been to meet our One Wales objective of a Legislative Competence Order for the Welsh Language, the introduction of the proposed Welsh Language (Wales) Measure and the continued development of a new Welsh language strategy which will build on the achievements of Iaith Pawb. 

We are now proceeding with the proposed Measure, that will confirm the official status of the Welsh language; create linguistic rights in the provision of services and establish  the post of  Welsh Language Commissioner.

We can be proud of our achievements, as illustrated by the 2009-10 Annual Report on Iaith Pawb and the WAG Welsh Language Scheme, published today. The report refers to the bilingual services that are available to the public, and how Assembly Government departments operate bilingually. 

The Annual Report also includes some of the highlights which show how the Welsh language is mainstreamed into the Government’s work, and how the Welsh Language Board continues to do pioneering work to promote the language.

Today, therefore, is a chance to celebrate what has been achieved in the past year, as we work towards the aim of creating a bilingual Wales.