Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and the two Ministers of State for their contributions. I will brief as I am aware of the time factor. In regard to the commemorations planned for next year, will any specific funding be targeted at local authorities or different community groups or allocated to commemoration activities involving young people and, if not, why not?

In regard to the Culture Ireland grants programme, the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, said that 300 projects were supported last year and he mentioned a number of film projects. Did that extend to literary projects? This year, County Meath will be hosting the third Hay literary festival, which is world renowned. Will projects like that one be covered under that grant this year?

My final question is for the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh. The budget allocation for the Irish language strategy has been increased by 10%. Has that money already been earmarked or will local communities like Baile Ghib in County Meath be able to avail of such funding?