New funding model discussed in NI Assembly
November 6, 2013
The Committee of Culture, Arts and Leisure (CCAL) welcomed Foras na Gaeilge to the Northern Ireland Assembly recently to discuss the implication of the new funding model on the Irish language in the six counties.
A new funding model for the Irish language Voluntary Sector was announced in July 2013 when a final decision regarding the model proposed by Foras na Gaeilge was announced by the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
Under the new system, 6 lead organisations operating on an all-island basis will replace the 19 current core-funded organisations and will deliver services according to 6 strategic priorities.
The timeline for the restructure of the sector was announced recently and welcomed all organisations to submit an expression of interest by 30 October 2013.
CCAL raised several questions throughout the discussion with Foras na Gaeilge regarding the concern among organisations in the north about the effect the new structure will have on the particular areas of work that have been progressed over many years relating to the promotion of Irish in the 6 counties. The committee maintained that the state of the language is completely different in both jurisdictions and described the concern that is in the community regarding the damage that the new structure could have on the sector.
There are currently seven core-funded bodies based in the six counties and it is unknown how many will remain under the new model. The committee drew attention to the important cross community work carried out by Iontaobhas Ultach over many years and the significant research done by Pobal regarding the state of the language and language rights in the jurisdiction.
The committee emphasised the importance of this experience and expertise in any progress made in the future and believed that valuable resources will be lost under the new structure. Committee members also raised the matter of the representation of northern organisations on the development forum. Members agreed that the details of the Business Case, which is with the Department of Culture, Leisure and Arts for consideration, regarding advisers and change of management should have been put in place long before now. Foras na Gaeilge informed CCAL that each lead-organisation would operate on an all-island basis which means that staff would be based in both jurisdictions.
It was stated that organisations in the south have vast experience in dealing with the promotion of the Irish language in the six counties and that the new model would have a positive effect on cross-community areas of work as there will be more emphasis placed on the work of local groups active on the ground.
While Foras na Gaeilge will not be responsible for the recruitment of lead-organisations, they will be advising that the expertise within the current sector be prioritised in any recruitment process. Every effort will be made to keep the expertise of the 19 core-funded bodies within the new sector layout and that it is hoped pay scales will remain the same for the most part.
Foras na Gaeilge stated that the new structure would not be able to accommodate all employees within the current set-up but it has been recommended that organisations amalgamate as part of the application process. It is understood that several organisations are in talks regarding amalgamations however, Foras na Gaeilge said that they are in no position to push bodies together during the process. Organisations will be permitted to amalgamate in spite of submitting an expression of interest as a single body.
CCAL emphasised the importance of the various projects carried out constantly by organisations and agreed that all projects must continue under the new model. Foras na Gaeilge have committed to facilitating the transfer of projects to new organisations in order to ensure that the important work carried out over the years will remain in place.
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