Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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120. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available to communities that wish to encourage the Irish language, particularly in the east coast’s lost Gaeltacht of Omeath, County Louth. [55825/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding to Foras na Gaeilge, one of the agencies of the North South Language Body, to fund and deliver various programmes on an all-island basis. Foras na Gaeilge administers over 23 different support schemes each year aimed at developing and promoting the language.

Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail and Craobh Phearadair Ó Dhubhda, located in Newry and Dundalk, both currently receive funding under Foras na Gaeilge's Irish Language Networks Development Scheme. The scheme aims to promote, protect and engrain the Irish language in particular areas with an emphasis on the development and implementation of comprehensive language plans. In accordance with government policy on the Irish language, the focus of this scheme is on longer term and more strategic planning following the principles of language planning.

Other supports are available to groups outside of the Irish Language Networks Development Scheme. Glór na nGael is named by Foras na Gaeilge as the lead organisation for the area of community development and they offer many practical supports in enabling and empowering local committees and community groups to encourage the use of the Irish language.