Irish Language Funding Scheme Announced

A funding scheme to boost programmes which encourage the development of Irish language skills in Northern Ireland has been announced.

Education Minister John O’Down made the announcement during a joint visit to St John the Baptist’s Primary School in Portadown with the Culture Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín.

The programme will align with the Líofa initiative created by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the draft Irish language strategy.

The purpose is to offer resources to existing Extended School cluster groups who wish to apply for funding to run programmes that will increase access to the Irish language.

Speaking during the visit Minister O’Dowd said: “The Irish language is an integral part of our rich and shared heritage and my Department has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of Irish-medium education.

"One of the recommendations arising from the review of Irish-medium education was that my Department should encourage and support informal opportunities for learning Irish through the Extended Schools Programme and increase access to those not currently accessing Irish-medium education.

"All existing Extended School cluster groups will be able to apply for additional funding to provide programmes that will encourage children to develop their skills in the use of Irish and to also provide support for parents who wish to develop their own key Irish literacy and numeracy skills."

The Department is making £230,000 available this year, with the intention of continuing funding for the following two years.

Funding will depend on both the interest shown and the progress made by the initiative.

The Líofa initiative was launched by Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín last September to encourage people to become fluent in the Irish language. In the past year over 2,700 people have signed up, according to the Executive.

(IT/GK)