The British government has begun a 12-week consultation process on an Irish language Act for Northern Ireland.
However, the DUP has branded the proposal iniquitous, divisive and discriminatory and "sponsored by Sinn Féin". The party has also called for a detailed audit of the £18 million (€26.77 million) already spent annually on Irish language projects, a sum criticised as a "scandal".
Maria Eagle, the minister announcing the consultation, said support for a language did not mean imposition of it.
"Legislation to protect a minority indigenous language is not a novel idea," she said.
"It is well established in other parts of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland. This paper sets out a number of approaches on which views are welcome.
"There will be different views on the various approaches. But I would like to stress that there is nothing in this paper that suggests that the use of the Irish language will be imposed on any individual or any sector of society in Northern Ireland."
Feedback is being sought on four main language-support proposals including a rights-based approach; prescribed duties on public bodies; a language scheme approach; or a combination of these.
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, which is sponsoring the process, said yesterday legislation in Wales, Scotland and the Republic is largely based on the language-scheme approach.
This involves public bodies, including the courts and councils, making clear what services they are going to make available through the medium of Irish.
The minister insisted yesterday she had no particular preference regarding a model of support.
"It will be an opportunity for a full discussion of both the aspirations and the concerns around the use of the Irish language in public life in Northern Ireland," Ms Eagle added.
Consultation concludes on March 2nd.
The Irish Times understands that if consultation clearly establishes a favourite option then legislation could quickly be prepared for enactment shortly afterwards.
"Our aim is to ensure that legislation can be taken forward quickly thereafter in line with the St Andrews Agreement," the minister added. Asked if restoration of the Stormont institutions, also timetabled for March, would affect the plans, a spokesman said the department would continue its work regardless of whether direct rule continued or not.
Foras na Gaeilge, the cross-Border body established in 1999 to promote Irish throughout Ireland, has announced €6,332,137 in core funding for the main Irish language and educational organisations.