Irish 'could be taught in Ulster'

BILINGUAL street names and teaching in Irish could be part of the peace settlement for Northern Ireland, Albert Reynolds, the Irish Prime Minister, said last night, writes Colin Brown.

After giving Sinn Fein 'a few more weeks' to respond to the Downing Street Declaration, the Taoiseach said the two governments would be bringing forward a wide-ranging package of measures in a framework document.

The agenda could include equal employment opportunities, 'the fostering of cultural identity in all its diversity, including the recognition of the value of the Irish language as an important heritage of the two traditions; support for parents who want their children taught through the medium of Irish; and bilingual street names.'

Full access to the Irish broadcasting service as well as British services throughout the north and more sensitive use of official symbols could also be introduced.