At the outset, it should be noted that Foras na Gaeilge is an agency of the North/South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, which is jointly funded by my Department and by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. Decisions regarding An Foras Teanga are made by both Sponsor Departments under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council.
Foras na Gaeilge currently provides core funding to 19 Irish language organisations in both jurisdictions, including Cumann na bhFiann. Following an external review of the organisations, completed on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge, the North/South Ministerial Council agreed that the core funding arrangements be reconfigured to ensure a more streamlined and cost effective approach. The reconfiguration consists of moving from core funding for 19 organisations to a competitive funding model based on a portfolio of schemes requiring the delivery of various strategic priorities.
Draft schemes have been prepared by Foras na Gaeilge and following approval by the board of Foras na Gaeilge and by the Finance Ministers in both jurisdictions, these schemes will be brought to the North/South Ministerial Council for approval. Pending the introduction of the schemes, it has been agreed that interim core funding will continue to be provided to the 19 organisations to 30 June 2012.
The draft schemes include a Youth Scheme with the objectives of providing a range of youth services on an all-island basis and supporting groups/clubs that provide opportunities for young people to regularly use Irish in a social environment outside the school system. It will of course be open to Cumann na bhFiann to seek funding under the proposed Youth Scheme to continue its work with Irish language youth clubs.
Finally, the introduction of the proposed Youth Scheme is seen as complementary to the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, given its emphasis on linking language learning to the informal use of Irish in recreational, cultural and other out-of-school activities.
