O Cuiv insists move to Donegal will work

The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Ó Cuív, has insisted that the decentralisation of Foras na Gaeilge, the Irish language promotional organisation, will take place in spite of staff opposition to it.

However, staff have said that such a move would require approval by the North-South Ministerial Council, as Foras na Gaeilge is an all-island body.

The organisation was established under the terms of the Belfast Agreement to promote the Irish language on the island of Ireland and Ulster Scots.

The Foras executive has also outlined its reservations about the move from Dublin to Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, in a submission sent to Mr Ó Cuív, and the Northern Ireland Office. However, community representatives in Gaoth Dobhair hope the transfer will represent an economic boost for an area hit by severe unemployment.