Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of grants made under his Christmas Lights as Gaeilge initiative; the organisations which benefited; the extent to which the use of the Irish language was promoted in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5596/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The following organisations have received funding to date under the initiative referred to by the Deputy:

As I have indicated in previous replies to similar Questions, my Department provides funding under the Fo-Chiste Gnó of Ciste na Gaeilge to voluntary and business groups to assist in promoting the Irish language among local business communities. In order to qualify for such funding, a group must provide a business plan to include specific targets relating to the promotion of Irish and a clear exposition as to how these targets will be met. Funding from my Department is provided on the basis that matching funding (to a minimum of 25%) is secured by the applicant from the local authority or from the local business community.

I am satisfied that the organisations to which funding has been provided have fulfilled these criteria and that the Irish language was promoted in an integrated and cohesive manner in accordance with the business plan provided by each organisation. Finally, while the Fo-Chiste Gnó is open to new applications, I should again reiterate that funding is limited and it may not be possible to meet all requests made.