Ms Émer Deane:

The specific issue regarding the foras relates to the formal structure of how the North-South bodies are funded. There is a ratio between North and South, which is why there is a difficulty regarding the overall funding for the foras. The two Ministers are continuing to work through that. However, that does not mean there are no other ways to support the Irish language and, indeed, Ulster Scots culture. We are already working in that space. Part of the new arts and heritage programming funding announced this year will go to the Irish language, including in Northern Ireland. The Minister, Deputy Calleary, is currently working on a capital investment programme through an ciste infheistíochta in the North. This will allow for further investment in the Irish language North of the Border and across the island as a whole. Everything we do in the shared island unit is only one part of North-South co-operation. There are other areas that operate formally through the North-South Ministerial Council. That is where the foras piece fits.