Major change to how Irish language groups are funded

North-South language funding body Foras na Gaeilge today announced fundamental changes to how Irish language groups are funded across the island.

The cross-border implementation body which was set up under the Belfast Agreement and has a role in advising the administrations North and South in matters relating to the Irish language announced it will reduce from 19 to 6 the number of organisations provided with core funding.

The successful organisations are Gaelscoileanna, Conradh na Gaeilge, Gael Linn, Oireachtas na Gaeilge, Glór na nGael, and Cumann na bhFiann.

None of the six organisations are based in the North where organisations such as Pobal, Forbairt Feirste and cross-community Irish language charity Iontabhas Ultach will now lose a significant portion of their funding.

In the south, Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge and pre-school organisation Forbairt Naíonraí Teo are among the groups that will no longer receive State funding.

Foras na Gaeilge said the move marked a “new era” in the development of the Irish language.

The new tendering for funding system, which has been planned since 2008, has previously been criticised for setting the organisations, all of which are not-for-profit, in competition with each other for funds to implement schemes planned by Foras.

Chief executive of Foras na Gaeilge Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh said: “Foras na Gaeilge recognises that the six months ahead will be a difficult period for organisations whose funding from Foras na Gaeilge will come to an end following this decision”.

“And every effort will be made to ensure that the Irish-language community will not suffer as a result of these huge changes, and that the important work being done by the organisations which were not selected will continue.”

The organisations will continue to be funded until June 30th, and the new arrangements will come into effect thereafter.