I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
As I indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question Number 418 on 30 April 2014, Foras na Gaeilge currently provides funding for a number of written and online Irish language publications. While funding for the current publications comes to an end this year, I understand that Foras na Gaeilge plans to continue to support Irish language journalism and to encourage more reading in the Irish language in the future.
It must be acknowledged that reading habits have changed dramatically in recent years. The trends of falling newspaper and magazine sales generally and the increasing popularity of free of charge content online have impacted on Irish language publications also. The advent of the digital era in particular, and the obvious advantages attaching to instantaneous updating and lower distribution/production costs, bring major implications for media in the future. In this overall context, Foras na Gaeilge now proposes to optimise the readership for an Irish language news service and other magazines by making the content available free of charge online.
As regards recent discussions at the Annual General Meeting of Glór Bhreifne, I understand from Foras na Gaeilge that it was clarified at that meeting that the decision in relation to the provision of a printed version, in addition to an online version, would be a matter for the successful tenderer.
Finally, in addition to the online weekly newspaper under a four year contract to commence in September 2014, I am pleased to say that Foras na Gaeilge intends to launch a scheme shortly for an online lifestyle magazine and a scheme for an online literary/current affairs publication in the Autumn.
