Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends going ahead this year with the Christmas lights as Gaeilge initiative of his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28739/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I wish to inform the Deputy that in 2006 and 2007 funding was provided by my Department under the Fo-Chiste Gnó of its Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge (formerly Ciste na Gaeilge) to a number of voluntary and business groups for the provision of Christmas lights in the Irish language. The purpose of the funding was to assist in promoting the Irish language among the local business community. In order to qualify for funding, a group was required to provide a business plan to include specific targets relating to the promotion of Irish and a clear exposition as to how these targets would be met. Funding from my Department was provided on the basis that matching funding (a minimum of 25%) was secured by the applicant from the local authority or from the local business community.

No funding was approved under this fund in 2008 or 2009 for the provision of Christmas lights in the Irish language and it is not proposed to make funding available this year, having regard to the current economic climate.