Kearney welcomes additional funding for Foras na Gaeilge

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has welcomed the allocation of €630,000 from the Irish Government to Foras na Gaeilge

The South Antrim MLA said:

“I warmly welcome this important financial allocation which will alleviate the pressure facing Foras na Gaeilge and will allow it better to promote the language and provide opportunities for Gaeilgeoirí.

Within the Executive, Sinn Féin has been pressing for changes that would enable the Irish Government to increase its funding allocations for North South bodies on a longer term basis.

“The DUP’s consistent blockage of additional funding, provided generously by the Irish government and at no cost to the Executive, has made no sense, particularly at a time when the Executive’s resources are under enormous pressure as a result of British government austerity. The DUP’s unacceptable stance has caused deep disappointment and offence not only within the Irish language community but among all those who support parity of esteem and equality. 

“This allocation is important in ensuring that Foras can continue its invaluable work in the promotion of the Irish Language which continues to grow and flourish. This funding intervention should be harnessed as an opportunity to design a fair and sustainable funding model to support the Irish language in the north.”