Wrexham Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, has welcomed the start of the recruitment process for the first all-Wales Welsh Language Commissioner, calling the move ‘great news for the cultural tapestry of the nation’.
Recruitment for the job will begin following the passage this week of Assembly regulations to select the interview panel. The job is to be advertised and the panel will make recommendations on the appointment to the First Minister this July.
The Welsh Language Commissioner will be responsible for developing a new regulatory system to ensure the delivery of Welsh language services to the public. He or she will also advise the Welsh Government and others on language policy and will be able to conduct inquiries into a wide range of matters relating to the Welsh language.
The appointment of a Welsh Language Commissioner represents a central plank in the implementation of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, which received Royal approval in Privy Council on 9th February this year.
The Measure is the first major piece of legislation on the Welsh language for almost twenty years and fulfils a Welsh Labour manifesto pledge.
The Welsh Labour Government intends to appoint the successful candidate by the autumn of this year.
Commenting, Lesley Griffiths said:
“This action by the Welsh Government will put in place the tools to ensure the Welsh Language continues to flourish as a modern, 21st century language.
“The appointment of the first Welsh Language Commissioner will be great news for the cultural tapestry of our nation. The implementation of the Welsh Language Measure will now give strong support to the Welsh Language and to the right of people to use it.
“This is represents a keystone in the fulfilment of Welsh Labour’s commitments to promote the use of Welsh and ensure equality between the English and Welsh languages.”
