Alliance Councillor Michael Long has said two new Council language officers will help improve communication for ratepayers.
Councillor Long was speaking after Belfast City Council advertised for a dedicated Irish language officer and a minorities language officer. They will both develop and promote the languages within the Council and to the public.
“Alliance welcomes this advertisement for the posts, one of which will be partly funded by Foras na Gaeilge. In particular, the minority languages officer will have responsibility for newcomer languages, sign language and Ulster-Scots.
“The appointment of the second officer is thanks to the work of Alliance following a consultation which found it was the preferred option among the citizens of Belfast. It is an inclusive move which will save ratepayers money in the long-term thanks to the funding.
“Belfast is a multicultural city, which is growing in its diversity every day. With that variety, new languages have their role to play and so this move will help improve communication for all ratepayers across the city.”