Written answers

Thursday, 18 May 2023

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Irish Language

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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258. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will outline the funding programmes in relation to the Shared Island Unit that are under consideration to support the teaching of the Irish language in Northern Ireland. [13206/23]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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There are currently a number of programmes in operation which are either funded under the Shared Island Initiative or by the North South Irish language agency, Foras na Gaeilge, aimed at supporting the Irish language within the education system in Northern Ireland.

Under the Shared Island initiative, my Department provided Naíscoil na Seolta with €55,000 in 2022, to develop a business plan for an Irish language education campus in East Belfast. The promoters of Naíscoil na Seolta are currently undertaking a feasibility study to identify a suitable location to provide a permanent base for the provision of education and child care supports through the medium of Irish in East Belfast.

Separately, Foras na Gaeilge and its lead organisations support schools and educational organisations through their various funding schemes and provide advice in regards to Irish medium education and the teaching of the language.

Foras na Gaeilge’s Investment Fund for the Establishment of Preschool Provision and Childcare also provides funding for the establishment of Irish-medium crèches, pre-schools and childcare centres, across the island. In addition, the organisation's Summer Camp Scheme provide funding for organisers of Irish language activities and camps, enabling children and young people to use the language in social settings, thus complementing its promotion in the education system. Funding is also provided to educational projects through Foras na Gaeilge’s Projects Fund.

Foras na Gaeilge's lead organisations, Gael Linn and Cumann na bhFiann, also provide support for the Irish language in the area of education in Northern Ireland.

Foras na Gaeilge is available to provide advice to organisations on Irish medium education and the teaching of the language and is represented on several boards and committees relating to education matters in Northern Ireland.

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