Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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916. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is aware that, in the 13 years since the enactment of the Gaeltacht Act 2012, only three Irish Language Networks have been formally recognised under the Act in 2021; that no new call for applications has been issued since then; if he will outline when the next statutory round of applications for Irish Language Networks will be announced, in line with the objectives of the 20-year strategy for the Irish Language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56874/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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All 3 of the Irish Language Networks designated under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 in Loughrea, Clondalkin and Ennis had their language plans approved in January of 2020 and are currently implementing same. Annual funding of up to €100,000 over a 7 year period is being made available to each of those Irish Language Networks to implement their plans.

The Deputy should be aware that, in tandem with the statutory language planning process administered by my Department in the south, Foras na Gaeilge administers a similar non-statutory process north of the border. To date, two networks have been approved under this initiative, in West Belfast and Carn Tóchair.

In 2020, Foras na Gaeilge reviewed its Scéim Phobal Gaeilge and, as a successor to this, the organisation launched its Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge. This scheme is intended to enable organisations currently participating in the scheme to come forward and apply for the next round of the statutory application process to gain recognition as Irish Language Networks.

I understand that the Board of Foras na Gaeilge has approved an extension of time for current grantees under Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge until the end of 2026.

I will make a decision regarding the timing of the next cycle of preparation of language plans for Irish Language Networks in due course, taking into account feedback from Foras na Gaeilge on the matter and the level of financial resources available in the coming years.