The Council of Europe has called on the UK to adopt strategies for Irish and Ulster Scots.
The report by the Council of Europe’s experts on regional and minority languages highlights warns of an “over-reliance on volunteers” and insufficient funding.
Local authorities’ varied commitment leads to uneven language education and public administration use, the report adds.
The experts also stress the need for greater “awareness and tolerance” of minority languages. Political tensions in Northern Ireland complicate efforts to promote Irish and Ulster Scots, it warns.
“Despite new legislation enacted in Northern Ireland, language issues remain politicised, and efforts should be made in order to further promote both Irish and Ulster Scots despite political tensions.”
An Irish Language Commissioner and a Commissioner for the Ulster Scots have been promised, but still not appointed, in Northern Ireland.
The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages is the European convention for the protection and promotion of languages used by traditional minorities.