Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
109 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in regard to plans to decentralise Foras na Gaeilge to County Donegal; his views on whether the relocation proposals will not require approval from the North-South Ministerial Council in view of the fact that Foras na Gaeilge is an all-island body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11840/04]
View answer130 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the decentralisation of Foras na Gaeilge will proceed in view of its notification of formal opposition to the move; if its move to Donegal requires approval by the North-South Ministerial Council in view of the fact that Foras is an all-island body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11940/04]
View answer135 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consultation which has taken place with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on proposals to relocate the headquarters of Foras na Gaeilge. [11808/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 130 and 135 together.
The Minister for Finance announced in the budget 2004 that the Government had made a decision to implement a wide programme of decentralisation. Among the Departments and public bodies mentioned in the decision, it was announced that Foras na Gaeilge would be decentralising to Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, subject to the agreement of the North-South Ministerial Council.
Initial discussions have begun between my Department and the co-sponsor Department in the North, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, and I have written to the Minister of that Department, Ms Angela Smith, MP, to progress the issue. Discussions continue between the two Departments and between my Department and Foras na Gaeilge.
