Call for talks on Foras funding

The implementation of a new funding model for the Irish language voluntary movement by Foras na Gaeilge will result in the demise of the sector, according to recent past presidents of Comhdáil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge.

Under the new model - due to be implemented later this year - not-for-profit language groups would have to compete on a three-yearly basis for funds to implement schemes planned by Foras.

All language strategy will be decided by Foras and the role of the organisations would be to achieve objectives and targets set by Foras.

In a statement issued today, six former presidents of Comhdáil Násiúnta na Gaeilge, the primary language lobby dealing with State legislation, said the Irish language sector is "willing to make any appropriate responses required" through an "agreed participative process".

The statement called for the establishment of a representative group with an independent chair to consider the matter which would present an agreed solution to the North-South Ministerial Council.

The former presidents said the North-South Ministerial Council had accepted the Foras proposal based on "incomplete information" as the council had not received representations from those affected.

They also said the move from core funding to open competitive short-term funding is "a crude instrument of change which will have long-term invidious consequences for the Irish language north and south."

The North-South body has been trying to replace the existing grant-in-aid system with one of competitive tendering for funding following concerns in recent years over increased administration costs.

The proposed Foras model has already been strongly criticised by 19 Irish language promotion organisations that receive their core funding from the body.

Funding and structural proposals outlined in today's statement, would provide a solution "acceptable to all", the former presidents said.

Under "method 1", the first proposal would see a three-year block budget ring fenced for the voluntary bodies and a joint committee comprising representatives from both sides. The joint committee would administer the budget "under strict conditions."

"Method 2" would see, in conjunction with the block budget outlined under "method 1", a separate budget to be administered by Foras na Gaeilge on a competitive schemes basis.

The former presidents were critical of a consultation process being held by Foras. They said it was "pointless" to hold a consultation process "if it is not intended to investigate alternatives, including the status quo, and allow a democratic outcome."

Earlier this month, SDLP spokesman for the Irish language Dominic Bradley called on both sides to negotiate. He said he had spoken to both sides and that the dispute was an issue “of concern for the cause of Irish on the island of Ireland”.

There was room for compromise, Mr Bradley said, as considerable savings could be achieved by the organisations and that these options should be explored further.