Foras na Gaeilge ditches funding plan
July 2, 2012
Cross-Border Irish-language body Foras na Gaeilge has abandoned its controversial “new funding model” following a board meeting in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal.
The body said on Friday it would not proceed with the “new funding model” but would instead try to find an alternative solution to “restructuring” the Irish-language sector while “co-operating” with other language groups.
The announcement marks a major reversal in policy for Foras na Gaeilge, which had been promoting the proposal as an alternative to the core funding of Irish organisations.
It wanted to replace the current practice of giving financial aid to established organisations to carry out work and introduce a scheme-based system which would have seen interested parties tender for projects.
Language-planning experts and the groups affected had criticised the plan as unworkable.
Foras na Gaeilge has now decided to give grants of €6.7 million to groups until June 2013 while it looks at other possibilities to replace the abandoned funding arrangement.
www.irishtimes.com
An Chomhdháil welcomes the abolition of New Funding Model
July 2, 2012
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge welcomes the decision by the Board of Foras na Gaeilge to abolish the new funding model which was proposed for the Irish language voluntary sector. The decision was announced after a Board meeting in Gaoth Dobhair on Friday.
Currently 19 Irish language organisations receive core-funding from Foras na Gaeilge. The current core-funding model is in effect since the foundation of Foras na Gaeilge in 1999, when the funding of eighteen organisations was transferred to Foras na Gaeilge.
The new funding model involved a portfolio of competitive schemes based on various criteria.
Last month, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht published a report on the New Funding Model for the Irish language voluntary sector.
The Joint Committee decided to commission a report having heard submissions from the organisations and from Foras na Gaeilge. The report stresses the importance of core-funding to provide important services to the Irish language community on an ongoing basis. The report also states that funding should not be based on a competitive schemes model.
The report from the Oireachtas Committee followed a recent motion in the Northern Irish Assembly which expressed concern as to the effect the new funding model would have on Irish language organisations, and concern relating to the public consultation process.
Speaking about the Board decision, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Kevin De Barra said: “Too much time has been wasted over the past number of years, discussing a funding model which was destined for failure from the outset. Foras na Gaeilge and the organisations must now work in partnership together, with input from language planners, and experts in change management, to ascertain the most effective and efficient manner of funding the sector, to maintain and improve services to the Irish language community”.
Press release by Comhdháil Násiúnta na Gaeilge
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge appoints new Director
July 2, 2012
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kevin De Barra to the position of Director. An Chomhdháil acts as an umbrella body for 24 Irish language voluntary organisations. Mr. De Barra will succeed Mr. Pádraig Mac Criostail who held the role since 2007.
Kevin De Barra hails from An Spidéal, in Conamara. He attended NUI, Galway where he was awarded a Commerce Degree, as well as a Masters in Business Studies and Marketing, and also a Diploma in Irish, and a Diploma in Translation Skils. Recently he completed a Masters in Applied Irish with DIT.
Mr. De Barra has been working with Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge sin 2007, firstly as Marketing and Communications Manager, then as Secretary to the Board, and since February of this year as Acting Director.
Prior to working with An Chomhdháil, De Barra worked as an International Marketing Manager with QTEK Manufacturing Ltd. whose headquarters are based in Galway.
Speaking on the appointment of Mr. De Barra, President of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa siad: “This appointment will allow An Chomhdháil to give leadership and direction to the Irish language voluntary sector in the challenging times ahead. Kevin De Barra has unique skills and experience which will greatly benefit An Chomhdháil, its member organisations and the Irish language speaking community”.
A Press release by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge
