Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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171. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he agrees that Foras na Gaeilge’s funding system has been broken (with the cross-Border organisation having a budget value of 40%, 20% less 20 years later) and that at least €20 million more of the work of the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht, as set out in the Growth Plan 2024-2029, should be made available through Foras ns Gaeilge, or other model if Foras na Gaeilge’s funding structure cannot be replaced [8634/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The North South Language Body (NSLB), comprising Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, was established as a north-south structure under the British Irish Agreement Act 1999.

Budgets for North South Bodies, including the North South Language Body are approved by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).

Foras na Gaeilge is co-funded on a 75% basis by my Department and 25% by the Department of Communities in the north, the other Sponsor Department of the NSLB.

The Northern Executive’s budget year commences in April, and thus the Department for Communities, has yet to confirm its 2025 budget commitments for the North South Language Body. Once the 2025 budget has been confirmed and agreed by the sponsor Departments, it will be brought to the next meeting of the NSMC for approval, which is expected to happen in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Foras na Gaeilge continues to operate at the funding level approved by NSMC in 2024, which is €16.5m, of which €12,387,239 or 75% is paid by my Department.

It is important to note that my Department provides significant additional funding to Foras na Gaeilge and its 6 lead organisations in respect of other Irish language activities outside the Gaeltacht.

I met recently with the Cathaoirleach and CEO of Foras na Gaeilge and I recognise fully the financial challenges facing the organisation at present. My Department is examining all options in order find a resolution to the funding issues faced by Foras na Gaeilge, both in the short term and the longer term, having regard to the agreed funding ratios and recognising the different budgetary positions of each Government north and south.

The Government is fully committed to supporting the North South Implementation Bodies, including Foras na Gaeilge, and there is no question whatsoever of the structure being replaced.