Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn was speaking on Tuesday after meeting with Irish language umbrella group POBAL.

After "highly productive" dialogue, Mr Lunn admitted his party would look favourably at Irish language broadcasting and Irish-medium education.

"We are strongly of the view that the Irish language, if de-politicized, can deliver a significant diversity dividend to Northern Ireland.

"Proposals setting requirements on public authorities must be proofed to ensure they deliver benefit to the public overall. People must treat Irish, but also use Irish, with respect," he added.

Mr Lunn's comments come against the backdrop of an ongoing political impasse over the issue between the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Culture Minister Gregory Campbell has hinted at an overall language strategy for the Province but Sinn Fein and more recently, the SDLP, have called for the introduction of a specific Irish Language Act.

The SDLP admitted last week the initiative could cost as much as £5 million per year for the next five years.