The Celtic League

Canada: Name Change Query

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:34:38 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

CANADA: NAME CHANGE QUERY

“A member of the Alba Branch has contacted the Canadian Embassy in London in an attempt to discover why a city named after its Scottish novelist has been changed in recent history.

Iain Ramsay, who was the previous Alba/Scotland branch secretary, first contacted the Honary Consul for Canada in Scotland, before being referred to the Canadian Embassy in London to find out more. However, the Canadian Embassy was not able to provide sufficient detail as to why the name of the city of Galt was replaced by `Cambridge’ – a name, which according to Mr Ramsay, is an `irrelevant Anglicisation’.

The General Secretary (GS) of the League has written to the Mayor of Cambridge, Doug Craig, to ask why the name of Galt was replaced and whether Cambridge City Council or the Provincial government would consider reverting back to Galt.

Dear Doug Craig

City of Galt

I am writing to you following a request made by our previous Alba/Scotland branch secretary, Iain Ramsay, who would like to know what the reasoning was behind adopting the name `Cambridge’ for your city. Mr Ramsay has previously written to the Honary Consul for Canada in Scotland and the Canadian Embassy in London, but has not received an adequate response to his enquiries.

We are aware that Cambridge was an amalgamation of the city of Galt, the towns of Preston and Hespeler and the hamlet of Blair in 1972, but we are unclear as to why the name Cambridge was chosen. We believe that the previous city of Galt covers the largest portion of what is now Cambridge and consequently would have thought that the name of Galt would have endured. We believe that there was considerable resistance to the amalgamation among the inhabitants at the time and we would like to know if there is or has been any interest in replacing the current name of Cambridge with the name Galt.

We are interested in this matter because we are aware that Galt was named after the Scottish novelist John Galt in the early part of the nineteenth century and that he is now buried in Greenock, Scotland. Our previous Alba/Scotland branch secretary is from Greenock and has related to me that the memory of John Galt in the area is closely associated with his work in Canada. Moreover, it is felt that the name `Cambridge’ does not adequately reflect the Scottish connections that the city has.

Many thanks in taking the time to consider this matter and we look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot
General Secretary
Celtic League

Gary Goodyear MP
Gerry Martiniuk MPP”

This article prepared for Celtic News by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League. For follow-up comment or clarification contact:

Tel: 0044 (0)1209315884
M: 0044(0)7787318666

rhisiart.talebot@…
gensec@…

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

31/08/10

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a
broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on
socio-economic issues.

TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/

Carn On The Web

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:35:17 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

CARN ON THE WEB

Just an update to say that as agreed at the last Celtic League AGM plans are proceeding to get all back issues of CARN, the journal of the Celtic League, on to the web in pdf form. A small number of recent issues are already on-line.

This will be a major undertaking for the Celtic League not least in terms of time and effort and it is hoped the work will get underway in October/November of this year.

CARN was established in 1973 and for many years was produced as a quarterly only comparatively recently changing to a thrice yearly format.

The Editors have been drawn from all the Celtic countries (as set out below)

Frang MacThòmais: (1973-74), Scotland
Pádraig Ó Snodaigh: (1974-77), Ireland
Cathal Ó Luain: (1977-81), Ireland
Pedyr Pryor: (1981-84), Cornwall
Pat Bridson: (1984-present), Mann & Ireland

The magazine undoudtedly contains the richest repository of articles and information amassed in any single Celtic political and cultural publication and in almost every issue there is a contemporary article in each Celtic language –
a feature unique to CARN

Its production has been solely funded by membership contributions and its longevity and quality is undoubtedly down to the commitment of the Editors over the years (not least the current encumbent Pat Bridson) and its regular
contributors.

Via the web back issues of CARN will reach a wider audience but more importantly there value as a research tool, in relation to developments in the Celtic countries, will be available to all at the press of a key.

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

29/08/10

TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/

Maghaberry: Independant Enquiry Call

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:13:56 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

MAGHABERRY: INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY CALL

The Celtic League has called on the NI Minister for Justice, David Ford MLA, to set up an independent enquiry into the situation at Maghaberry Prison which has been the subject of controversy for several years. (See below):

“Minister of Justice
David Ford MLA
Department of Justice
Castle Buildings – Stormont Estate
Belfast – Northern Ireland
BT4 3SG

28/0810

Dear Minister,

At its AGM in July (held on the Isle of Man) the Celtic League considered the ongoing difficulties in relation to the operation of Maghaberry Prison.

The AGM had the benefit of being able to resource a very substantial letter on the situation at the Prison which had been provided following an approach to your predecessor the Northern Ireland Prison Minister. (Correspondence – 14 page letter from NIPS to the Celtic League dated 14 May 2010).

However it was clear at the time of our meeting that serious difficulties persisted at Maghaberry and the AGM decided to call for an:

“open and transparent independent public enquiry into Maghaberry Prison in the North of Ireland following constant complaints by inmates of human rights abuses.”

I note that earlier this month the situation at the jail fortuitously was stabilised however I would suggest that independent oversight as implied by the above resolution would be beneficial in ensuring a long term solution to issues at the jail.

I trust that you will give this suggestion early consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information”

MOD Probed On Overseas Recruitment

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:11:00 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

MOD PROBED ON OVERSEAS RECRUITMENT

A career in the British Army is that unpopular these days that the UnitedKingdom increasingly rely on recruitment of Nationals from other countries.

The Celtic League has been engaged in correspondence with the UK MOD about recruitment of Nationals from the Republic of Ireland.

The Irish government have told us that it is not illegal for a National of that State to make an individual choice to join an overseas Army.

However Irish law, specifically Section 312 of the Defence Act, makes it an offence to encourage a person to join a foreign army. We believe the UK MOD are `sailing close to the wind’ in relation to recruitment in Ireland and our correspondence to tease out the truth goes on (see below).

“Mr Richard Hills
Headquarters
(British) Army Recruitment and training Division
Trenchard Lines
Upavon
Pewsey
Wiltshire SN9 6BE

28/0810

Dear Mr Hills,

I write with reference to the concern raised with you about the recruitment of Nationals of the Republic of Ireland into the British Armed Forces. I have your reply dated 3rd June 2010 (D/ARTD/1/3/1-75862).

You will recall that the specific point we raised with you was that it was an offence under the laws of Ireland to encourage a person to join a foreign army (Section 312 of the Defence Act 1954). The issue had been highlighted following the circulation of information about `opportunities’ for a career in the British army by a careers office in Ireland.

I am disappointed that you do not believe that your web site as currently structured, i.e. citing `citizenship’ of the Republic of Ireland as making
persons eligible for membership of the Armed Forces, could be construed as encouraging citizens of a neighbouring State through
either ignorance or ineptitude to break the laws of their country. However I am reassured by your comment that potential recruits should ensure they seek information `through a careers office in Britain’.

There is one outstanding issue that you could shed light on. I note from your website that applicants for the services could be subject to normal careers checks. I wondered how the MOD (British Army) are able to follow-up on any information supplied by an applicant from the Republic of Ireland without cross-referencing data supplied with individuals or agencies in that country. I do hope that the UK military have not been doing this as if they have done so it would appear that they are soliciting citizens of a neighbouring State to breach section 312 of the Defence Act 1954.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information”

Mannin: Judiciary Selection Why The Secrecy

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:02:10 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

MANNIN: JUDICIARY SLECTION WHY THE SECRECY

Why is the selection process for members of the judiciary not more transparent the Celtic League has asked the Manx Government? (See below):

“The Chief Minister of the Isle of Man
Mr A Brown MHK
Government Buildings
Douglas
Isle of Man

28/08/10

Dear Chief Minister,

In 2003 the UK DCA issued a consultative paper entitled “Constitutional reform: a new way of appointing judges”. The consultative paper was aimed at stimulating debate on judicial reform.

Tellingly the DCA paper says:

“In order for the judiciary to continue to command public confidence, it is vital that the process by which judges are selected and appointed must also command confidence. The present judicial appointments system has come under increasing scrutiny and challenge in recent years. Rightly or wrongly, the existing procedures are commonly seen as unaccountable and lacking in transparency. They are perceived by many to be systemically biased. Whether or not the system really is biased, the perception has an impact which is real
enough. This perception may damage public confidence in the administration of justice”

Can you indicate why there is so little transparency in relation to the appointment of members of the judiciary in the Isle of Man?

Would it be possible for the process surrounding the selection of all serving members of the judiciary (Deemsters, High Bailliff etc) to be made public or is this information regarded as to sensitive or confidential for the public to have access to?

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information”

MOD Urged To Come Clean On Numbers killed By British Army

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:44:43 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

MOD URGED TO COME CLEAN ON NUMBERS KILLED BY BRITISH ARMY

The Celtic League has asked the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for details of the numbers of civilians killed or injured by British Forces serving with ISAF in Afghanistan.

There is growing concern in the UK at present over the rising toll of casualties suffered by British Forces. However scant regard is paid to the many thousands of men, women and children killed and injured in ISAF operations. (See below):

“The Secretary of State for Defence
Dr Liam Fox MP
Ministry of Defence
Main Building
Whitehall
London, SW1A 2HB
United Kingdom

28/08/10

Dear Minister

Ref: British Forces serving with ISAF – civilian casualties.

Can you advise how many civilians in Afghanistan have been killed directly as a result of actions by British Forces serving with ISAF in Afghanistan since the mission began?

Could you also provide details of the total compensation paid directly by theBritish government or on behalf of the British government as a result of incidents in which innocent civilians have been killed by British forces acting alone or in conjunction with other ISAF forces?

Does the British government have any policy (either directly, via Afghan government agencies or NGOs) to follow-up on the circumstances of those innocent civilians injured and maimed as a result of incidents involving British Forces acting alone or in conjunction with other ISAF units?

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information”

Link here to ISAF / NATO web pages which are noteworthy in failing to highlight
the heavy price being paid via death and injury of innocent Afghan civilians.
http://www.isaf.nato.int/

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

28/08/10

TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/

Cape Wrath MOD Queried On Steps To Repair Damage

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:33:09 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

CAPE WRATH MOD QUERIED ON STEPS TO REPAIR DAMAGE

The Celtic League has asked the Ministry of Defence what steps it has taken torectify serious environmental damage caused at the Cape Wrath weapons range in Northern Scotland two years ago. (See below):

`Mr Nick Harvey MP
Minister of State for the Armed Forces
Ministry of Defence
Main Building
Whitehall
London, SW1A 2HB
United Kingdom

28/08/10

Dear Minister

Ref: Cape Wrath Range – Environmental damage.

In 2008 approximately 400 acres of environmentally important heathland at thisrange was destroyed by devastating fires caused due to negligence during a military exercise.

Can you advise:

a) What environmental assessment of the damage caused was undertaken at the time?

b) What remedial works have been undertaken to assist the recovery of the heathland to its former state?

c) What species of animal or birdlife were impacted by the damage caused?

d) What steps have been taken to ensure that the use of tracer ammunition over heathland areas is restricted when the heathland is at it most vulnerable (i.e.after prolonged dry periods)?

For your information an exchange between the League and MOD at the time of this incident elicited the response that:

“The MOD takes it stewardship of training areas very seriously; high standards of conservation management are maintained throughout the estate and the MOD enjoys and values good working relationships with all stakeholders, including Scottish Natural Heritage.”

This follow-up correspondence is aimed at establishing how seriously the MOD takes the commitment given at the time.

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information’

See related article on Celtic News here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/2685

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

28/08/10

TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/

Ireland: Conditions For Female Prisoners A Concern

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:01:16 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

IRELAND: CONDITIONS FOR FEMALE PRISONERS A CONCERN

The Celtic League has written to the Department of Justice and Law Reform in Ireland to express concern about overcrowding at female prisons in Ireland.

The issue was first raised by the League twelve months ago and subsequently atthe League AGM in July 2010 a resolution on the issue was adopted. (See below):

`The Minister for Justice and Law Reform
51 St Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
Ireland

27/08/10

Dear Minister,

The Celtic League Annual General Meeting last month (held in the Isle of Man) voiced continuing concerns about overcrowding at female prison facilities in Ireland.

The League first made representations about the issue when it raised concerns about overcrowding in the women’s section of Limerick jail early in 2009.

Assurances were received from your Office that the issue was being addressed.

However, in April 2010 Kathleen Mahon, the highly regarded Governor of the Dóchas Women’s Prison situated in the Mountjoy complex resigned citing`impossible’ conditions’. She said the Women’s Prison was overcrowded with 137 prisoners in a centre designed to accommodate 85. In an interview with The Irish Times she said her position had been made “impossible” by the failure of the prison service to consult her on key issues and a general “lack of respect”shown to her by the service. She warned that overcrowding was now so acute she feared an increase in self harm, bullying and violence.

After considering the foregoing the Celtic League AGM unanimously adopted a resolution the text of which is set out below:

“This AGM: Bearing in mind concerns expressed by the Celtic League about overcrowding at female prison facilities in Ireland in July 2009 and aware of assurances given at that time by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform reiterates its concern about serious overcrowding of the Irish prison establishment generally and facilities for women in particular”.

We trust that your Department will do all in its power to address the current unsatisfactory situation.

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information’

Manx Parole Board Is Still Secret

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 07:57:55 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

MANX PAROLE BOARD IS IT STILL SECRET

The Celtic League has asked the DHA if the membership and functioning of the IOM Parole Board is still secret! (See below):

“The Chief Executive
Mr Will Greenhow
Department of Home Affairs
Homefield
Douglas
Isle of Man

Ref: Isle of Man Parole Board and associated issues

27/08/10

Dear Mr Greenhow,

I refer to our correspondence in 2007 in relation to the above (and your somewhat belated reply one year later) and wish to enquire:

a) If the identity of the Parole Board members is still `secret’?

b) If the answer to a is yes can the Department explain the rationale behind this?

c) If the answer to b is no can you outline the current membership of the Board, the process of selection and the duration of office?

d) In relation to the duration of office is there any limit on the time Parole Board members can serve*?

e) Does the Parole Board complete any report on its work and are its functions subject to independent audit and assessment?

Finally, could you provide details of any other `quangos’ for which the DHA is the appointing body?

*For example I understand that the appointments commission stipulated some years ago that appointees to various bodies should serve no more than two (three year) terms.

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information”

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

27/08/10

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlightshuman rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on
socio-economic issues.

TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/

France: League Protest Over treatment Of Roma

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 07:54:19 +0000

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

FRANCE: LEAGUE PROTEST OVER TREATMENT OF ROMA

The Celtic League has protested to the French embassies in London and Dublin about the treatment of Roma people in France who are currently being forcibly expelled from the State.

The League have pointed out that the French stance on the issue is hypocritical given than only twelve months ago assurances were given to the United Nations that Roma/Travellers would be treated equitably (see below):

`The Ambassador
Embassy of France
58 Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7JT

27/08/10

Dear Sir,

I draw your attention to the statement set out below which is an extract from the submission by the Government of France to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on the 11th March 2009.

How can your government square the intent of the statement to the current outrageous treatment being meted out to Roma people by way of forced expulsions from the State?

Would you agree that it is hypocritical of your government to provide an assurance to the United Nations which within twelve months is abrogated?

“5. Measures to help travellers

Response to the recommendation in paragraph 16 of the Committee’s observations:

33. According to information provided by groups and associations, the Roma population in France numbers about 300,000. They are usually described as ”travellers”, even though only about a third of them move around the national territory. Another third is regarded as semi-sedentary. The final third has
taken up settled residence.

34. This population group encounters major economic and social problems. As well as the continuing obstacles they have to contend with in relation to housing and parking their vehicles, travellers often have poor levels of qualification, making it difficult for them to enter the labour market. They also suffer from discrimination in relation to employment, housing, education,
health and citizenship.

35. In accordance with the Republican model, the measures taken by the State are designed to encourage the integration of travellers into the national community, by giving them access to the fundamental rights of all citizens. These measures form part of ordinary-law policies but, are supplemented, where necessary, by specific measures.

(a) Measures to guarantee travellers the exercise of full citizenship

36. At the initiative of the Minister of Housing and Town Planning, an interministerial study was commissioned to reform the legislation on travel
permits, introduced by an Act of 1969. Itinerant traders and persons moving around France for more than six months a year with no fixed abode or residence are required to hold such permits. The legislation also lays down conditions derogating from the ordinary law relating to registration on electoral rolls. Nowadays, these legal provisions affect practically only travellers, even though it is increasingly rare for the condition concerning the period spent travelling around to be fulfilled.

(b) Domiciliation

37. Linked to the question of travel permits, the issue of domicilation has also been considered by the Minister for Housing and Town Planning. For example, article 51 of the Act of 5 March 2007 on the enforceable right to housing, organizing the reform of domiciliation, provides travellers with better guarantees of access to social benefits by giving them the opportunity of acquiring domicile with an approved body (or local social welfare centre [Centre communal d'action sociale, CCAS]), like any person of no fixed abode. The reform must also make it possible, in particular, to remove the difficulties encountered in obtaining access to bank lending and insurance (cars, caravans,
etc).

38. To meet the problems of an itinerant lifestyle, France adopted, on 5 July 2000, a law requiring communes with more than 5,000 inhabitants to provide sites or transit sites under departmental plans, but there are problems in applying this legislation. To improve matters, State funding arrangements have been carried forward for a year, to 31 December 2008.

39. Creating sites for travellers is not the only answer. There have been significant changes in travellers’ living conditions, with the result that their needs have changed. An assessment of the arrangements for receiving travellers under the law of 5 July 2000 actually confirms a trend towards demand for ”anchorage” on what are described as “family sites”. This form of housing combines both mobile home and permanent dwelling on private land. A study is currently under way to establish how best to respond to these new expectations, and to do so in conditions of dignity that respect the rights of those concerned. Encouraging family sites is certainly a way of facilitating better integration into the host municipalities and securing better schooling for children.

40. Moreover, like all citizens, travellers are entitled to basic housing and are able to benefit from the new laws and regulations establishing an enforceable right to housing. From 2012, this new entitlement will enable any applicant for housing to appeal to the courts, if his/her application has not met with a response that properly reflects his needs and abilities. For individuals with major housing problems, this right has existed since 1 January 2008, subject to certain conditions.

(d) Measures to promote access to employment

41. There is no guarantee for the future of travellers’ traditional economic activities, and, consequently, many families are living on the minimum income because they are unable to engage in their traditional activities and cannot get jobs, as they lack the necessary qualifications and lead itinerant lives.

42. In the context of the Government’s reforms to encourage recipients of the minimum income to return to work (the “back-to-work” law, trialling the earned income supplement, RSA), methods of access to employment or return to work that are compatible with travellers’ life-styles, need to be encouraged as far as possible, taking into account their skills and expectations, particularly when
setting up micro-businesses and getting access to personal credit.

(e) Support for socio-educational measures to help travellers

43. Every year, the Ministry of Social Affairs provide financial support for local association initiatives to promote, among other things, pre-schooling and schooling for children, access to social welfare, teacher training, mediation activities and integration into working life. In 2007, it also supported the initiative of a national association representing travellers to produce a practical guide that is eagerly anticipated by travellers themselves.

(f) Bodies working with travellers at national and international level

44. At national level, a national commission called the “National Consultative Commission for Travellers” was set up in 2003. It includes government representatives, elected representatives, travellers’ representatives and associations acting on their behalf, and suitably qualified individuals. Its role is to look into the specific problems of the Roma and to make proposals to the Government on how they can be better integrated into the national community. It is consulted on draft legislation and regulations and on action programmes
concerning travellers.

45. At local level, in every département, a consultative commission, including representatives of the municipalities concerned, travellers’ representatives and associations acting on their behalf are involved in devising and implementing the departmental plan for travellers’ sites. The commission is jointly chaired by the State’s representatives in the département and by the president of the
departmental council, or their representatives.

46. Every year, the departmental consultative commission draws up an assessment of the plan’s implementation. It may appoint a mediator to review the difficulties encountered in implementing the plan and propose how they may be resolved. The mediator provides the commission with an activity report.

(g) Educating travellers’ children

47. Circular No. 2002-101 of 25 April 2002 on “Educating the children of travellers and itinerant families”, provides that the ordinary law is, in all respects, applicable to the children of itinerant families. Pursuant to article L.111 of the Education Code, everyone is guaranteed access to education, and the Ministry of Education is working to provide travellers’ children with an
education in accordance with this law.

48. As a matter of principle, these children are to be integrated into normal classes. However, in order “to guarantee equality of opportunity, appropriate provisions shall make it possible for each individual to have access to the different types or levels of education, in accordance with his or her abilities and specific needs”, as stated in article L.111-2 of the Education Code, amended in 2005 by the Act on the Orientation and Programming of the Future of Schools.

49. Measures to support the education of travellers’ children are based on mobilizing local players in conjunction with the departmental plan for the reception of travellers. Under the supervision of the chief education officer (director of the Ministry of Education’s departmental services) a coordinator liaises between the public services, the associations and the centres for the education of new arrivals in the education authority’s catchment area and traveller’s children (CASNAV). The centres provide teaching, counselling and training. They provide the reception and assessment point for newly arrived travellers’ children, enabling them to be channelled to the class best suited to them in terms of their knowledge of French and standard of education.

50. Enrolled in classes with the normal curriculum for their age and academic level, travellers’ children who do not have French as their mother tongue are also taught by teachers trained in teaching French as a second language, following the procedure specific to each level of education.

51. Two methods are used in schools:

– Introductory classes (CLIN) in which a maximum of 15 pupils come together for several hours a day and are given intensive courses in French tailored to their needs;

– Intensive courses in French (integrated remedial course, CRI) provided by a peripatetic teacher who works at the school with small groups of pupils, as needed.

52. In middle schools, lycées and vocational lycées:

– Introductory classes (CLA) are provided in some middle schools that have opted for this, in accordance with an education authority regulation that makes it possible to respond to needs; in these classes, pupils are given special teaching in French as a second language. Since 2005, the Ministry of Education has been offering, in schools, an official diploma in French as a foreign language (DELF), an adapted version of the DELF for adults;

– Some classes include children who have not previously attended school and therefore need to be taught basic reading skills and mathematics.

53. In many education authorities, initiatives have been taken to improve the reception and education of travellers’ children: the question of adapting methods to meet the various specific needs of children who have both major problems with schooling and live in poverty has, for example, been integrated into the Montpellier education authority’s education action programmes.

54. Alongside the development of these specific instruments by the education authorities and CASNAVs, travellers’ children continue to benefit, like other pupils, from measures under the equal opportunities policy, such as educational support and the personalized programmes for academic achievement (PPRE). ”

The full text of the report by France to UN/CERD can be found at:

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/cerds77.htm

Yours sincerely

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information’

Prophetically it is only months since the Celtic League expressed concern about the treatment of Roma/Travellers to the European Commission – see related links below:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/3429
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/3400
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/3373
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/3323
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/3315
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/2923

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

27/08/10

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on
socio-economic issues.

TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/