Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann – Launched

Today 4 November 2021 An Taoiseach Micheál Martin launched a new Irish Business Awards scheme, Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann, which will put the Irish language at the forefront of business in the years to come.

Speaking at the launch An Taoiseach said “Tá fhios againn an tionachar a bhíonn ag lucht gnó go háirithe leis an Ghaelainn a chur chun cinn. An teanga is rud é a chleachtaíonn tú a lá in diaidh lae. Nuair a bhíonn tú ag déanamh do chuid siopadóireachta nó ag dul timpeall na sráide is iontach an scéal go mbeidh tú in ann an chomharthíocht a fheiscint agus an Ghaeilge a labhairt.”

(Translation: “We understand the influence that businesses have on the promotion of the Irish language. Speaking a language is a thing you do each and every day. When you are doing your shopping, or walking on the streets it is wonderful to see the signage in Irish and to have the opportunity to speak Irish.”)

GRADAIM is a recognition scheme for businesses that use Irish as part of their business, or that provides a service through Irish to their customers. The awards will be presented to businesses for their efforts to the use of Irish in three main categories, namely 1. Signage 2. Branding and Marketing 3. Irish Language Customer & Client Service. This recognition from GRADAIM will inform the public that the business has achieved a certain standard in these areas.

Glór na nGael, a leading Irish language organization with responsibilities to promote the Irish language in business, administers this scheme.

There are 62 Irish language community groups throughout the country registered with Glór na nGael to help implement the scheme locally. They will register businesses with the scheme and provide them with help and advice as they work through the list of recommended activities.

By the end of 2022 Glór na nGael expects 200+ businesses to be registered with the scheme and that GRADAIM will have a major impact on the use of the language in the business sector in the coming years.

Businesses can participate in the scheme by registering online at www.gradaim.ie. The first round of awards will be presented at an event to be held in the last quarter of 2022.

Frainc Mac Cionnaith, Enterprise and Business Development Manager for Glór na nGael, “I am delighted that we now have a scheme designed and in place that will go a long way in securing a place for the Irish language in business. Having a national scheme is a great resource that will act as a stimulus and guide for the business community to promote the Irish language. The GRADAIM signage will be easily recognizable by customers and will inform them on where to find different levels of service with Irish in their area.”

Glór na nGael acknowledges the valuable contribution that is made by the following organizations in the development of an Irish language strategy in the area of business and in the development of this scheme: Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Comhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Gael Taca, Comhairle Contae Chiarraí, Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, Líonra Leitir Cheannainn, An Clár as Gaeilge and Muintir Chrónáin.