Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I once again stress that Foras na Gaeilge operates under a clear legislative framework. The role of the Ministers — the two Ministers effectively act jointly in relation to Foras — is quite clear. What is also patently clear is that, subject to operating within the business plan and proper procedures, Foras is free to make its own day to day decisions and it would be inappropriate for the Minister to interfere unduly on two grounds. First, it is an independent body with its own board and, second, as I pointed out, it is a North-South body and, therefore, it takes two Ministers to make decisions on Foras. Every decision made in the context of An Foras Teanga, which comprises the Ulster-Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge, is made and signed off jointly by the two Ministers. I have called publicly on both Foras na Gaeilge and the organisations to work in a spirit of partnership. If appropriate my Department is willing to facilitate the process. However, it is out of the question that the Minister would give orders in this case as it would be beyond his powers.

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