Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 281: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will commit to the future funding of Cumann na bhFiann Irish language youth service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29733/11]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, Foras na Gaeilge is an agency of the North South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, which is jointly funded by my Department and by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. Decisions regarding An Foras Teanga are made by both Sponsor Departments under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).

Foras na Gaeilge currently provides core funding to 19 Irish language organisations, including Cumann na bhFiann. Following an external review completed on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge, the NSMC agreed that the core funding arrangements be reconfigured to ensure a more streamlined and cost effective approach. The reconfiguration consists of moving from core funding for 19 organisations to a competitive funding model based on a portfolio of schemes requiring the delivery of various strategic priorities.

At its meeting on 12 October 2011, the NSMC noted the progress made to date by Foras na Gaeilge with regard to the preparation of a portfolio of draft schemes for the new competitive funding model which has the objective of achieving significant benefits in relation to value for money and the effective delivery of Foras na Gaeilge's statutory obligations.

Having considered this progress, the NSMC requested that Foras na Gaeilge undertake a number of steps in the review process as follows:

· enter into a twelve week consultation period about the portfolio of draft schemes, particularly with the core-funded bodies;

· ensure that relevant statutory bodies are given the opportunity to consider the impact of the draft schemes on their areas of operation;

· amend the portfolio of draft schemes as necessary and appropriate, having regard to the extended consultation process;

· prepare a detailed business case, if necessary with independent assistance, in support of the portfolio of draft schemes;

· prepare a revised project plan, in conjunction with the Sponsor Departments, that will have due regard to the completion of the review process as a matter of urgency; and

· provide a further progress report at the next NSMC sectoral meeting in language format in February 2012.

It should also be noted that, pending the introduction of the schemes, it has been agreed by the NSMC that interim core funding will continue to be provided to the 19 Irish language organisations to 30 June 2012.