Déjà vu: Another new funding model for Irish language organisations
October 16, 2012
At a meeting of the board of Foras na Gaeilge on 28th September, a new funding model for the Irish language voluntary sector was approved, and this model will now be presented to the North South Ministerial Council at the beginning of December 2012.
Earlier this year, Foras na Gaeilge had planned to implement a different funding model, but on 29 June the Board decided to abolish this model after the public and a Joint Oireachtas Committee condemned the model.
The rationalisation of the 19 core-funded organisations has been a bone of contention between Foras na Gaeilge and the organisations since 2008.
The organisations still contend that no research has been undertaken on the work of the organisations since the process began four years ago, and that Foras na Gaeilge must gain an understanding of the work of the organisations before drafting a new model. Foras na Gaeilge claim they are following a directive from the North South Ministerial Council, and are therefore working to tight deadlines, and that the new model must be in place before the middle of next year when the axe is to fall and an end to core-funding of the organisations will be declared.
While Foras na Gaeilge refuse to provide any written information on the new model, it is understood that the new model is based around developing partnerships with a number of organisations in specific strategic areas. It seems Foras na Gaeilge selected the strategic areas in the context of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language, the proposed Draft Strategy for Protecting and Enhancing the Development of the Irish language in Northern Ireland, as well as the Gaeltacht Act 2012.
It is understood the below are the strategic work areas chosen by Foras na Gaeilge, but that these are not as yet set in stone.
• Irish medium education
• Education through English and for Adult Learners.
• Community Development
• Development of Network and Usage Opportunities for Young People
• Activities to Support the Usage of Irish
• Language Awareness, Language Protection and Dealing with both States.
The work areas will be core-funded and the lead partner in each area will be allowed to provide service level agreements for a period not longer than 18 months. Foras na Gaeilge don’t expect the service level agreements to be still in place by January 2015, and by this time the lead partners will be expected to have acrued the necessary experience, expertise and resources to carryout the work of the strategic area.
It is understood that none of the organisations who are based solely in Northern Ireland have been approached in relation to becoming a lead partner in any of the six strategic areas.
An Fóram, who represent 15 of the 19 core-funded voluntary sectors wrote recently to Foras na Gaeilge requesting an urgent meeting with Foras na Gaeilge to clarify the new model which has now been approved by the Board.
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