An amount of just under €40m will be available to my Department in 2014 for Irish Language, Gaeltacht and Island functions, in addition to over €38m for North South cooperation. These indicative figures, which represent an overall 5% reduction on the equivalent 2013 allocations, are subject to the Estimates being approved in due course and also to the agreement of the North South Ministerial Council in the case of the North South provisions.
Although it was necessary, having regard to the overall economic situation, to reduce my Department's budget across various sectors, I am confident that, with an increased focus on achieving effectiveness and value for money, the allocations will be sufficient to meet my Department's priorities in 2014.