Decision made regarding the core-funded Irish language voluntary sector
July 10, 2013
A final decision regarding the new funding system for the Irish language voluntary sector was made at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) held in Armagh today, 10th July 2013.
In June 2013, Ministers discussed Foras na Gaeilge’s review of core funding and it was agreed that a further meeting of the NSMC Language Body will be held as soon as possible but not later than September in order to bring the process to a conclusion.
It has now been agreed, based on the new funding model proposed by Foras na Gaeilge last year, that 6 lead organisations operating on an all-island basis will deliver the following strategic priorities:
- Irish-medium education
- Irish language in English-medium education
- Language-centred community and economic development
- Language use
- Language awareness
- Youth networks
As well as the aforementioned themes, a new funding model for public radio services will be developed and funding for the provision of Irish language resources will continue through An tÁisaonad Lán-Ghaeilge, located in St. Mary’s University College, Belfast.
The CNCM has also recommended the establishment of an all-island partnership forum, including the heads of each of the 6 lead organisations, that will be responsible for sector strategies and promotion.
An all-island language development forum will also be established under the new model. This forum will made up of groups and public bodies funded by Foras na Gaeilge and will report to to the partnership forum on all matters relating to the sector’s work ón the ground.
At a NSCM meeting in March of this year, Ministers agreed to extend the existing core funding arrangements to 31 December 201 and it has now been agreed that these terms will now be extended to July 2014 when the new structure will come into force.
Speaking today about the NSMC decision, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Kevin De Barra said: “After five long years of uncertainty, we haven’t learned all that much today, as these are the same themes we have been discussing with Foras na Gaeilge for quite a while. We have yet to understand how this links into the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language, or what language planning model it is founded upon.”
“Meetings have been arranged between the organisations and Foras na Gaeilge for next week, and we hope that further information will be forthcoming at that time. As we are still in the dark in relation to the overall strategy behind this decision, it is difficult as yet to ascertain what advantages can be gained from asking organisations to compete with one another, and it is difficult to understand how this will be to the benefit of the Irish language”.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
