The North / South Language Body Annual Report & Accounts 2009

UsageObjective: to increase usage of the Irish language amongpeople throughout IrelandCore fundingDuring 2009 Foras na Gaeilge provided funding to the value of more than€4m to 11 of the main Irish language organisations North and South:Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge; Conradh na Gaeilge; Glór na nGael;Oireachtas na Gaeilge; An Comhlachas Náisiúnta Drámaíochta; Raidió naLife; Pobal; Iontaobhas Ultach; Comhaltas Uladh; Forbairt Feirste and RadioFáilte. In addition to that, funding has been provided for a wide range oforganisation projects including: the Visit of the Scottish Poets; Seachtain naGaeilge; and Scléip na hÓige. 51 people were directly employed as part ofthe core funding of those 11 Irish language organisations.Irish Language Usage in the CommunityFunding was continued for the second year of ‘Scéim Phobail Gaeilge 2008-10’ through which 17 Irish language community committees are functioningthroughout the island. 17 Development Officers are directly employedthrough the Scheme’s projects and a total of €1,108,434 of funding wasprovided in 2009. The Irish language committees being funded through thescheme are:Carn Tóchair; An Clár as Gaeilge; Coiste DúicheMhaigh Eo; Craobh Chathair Luimní; CumannCultúrtha Mhic Reachtain; Cumann GaelachChnoc na Rós; Cumann Gaelach Leath Chathail;An Droichead; Gaelfhorbairt na Gaillimhe;Gaelphobal an tSratha Báin; Glór Bhaile LochRiach; Glór Chaetharlach; Glór na Móna; IonadUíbh Eachach; Na Macallaí; MuintirChrónáin and Pobal an Chaistil.Provision was made for the annual grants to Irish language centres to a totalvalue of €273,415, namely An Gaeláras and Cultúrlann MacAdam Ó Fiaich,through whom four posts and three posts respectively were funded. Theadministration was also handled for a capital grant to the value of £600,000for a new Irish language Centre which Minister Ó Cuív officially opened inSeptember.The funded support scheme for community groups to promote the Irishlanguage on a local basis through grants of €5,000 / £3,500 was continued. 13applicants succeeded in receiving funding from a total expenditure of morethan €37,517 which was awarded during 2009.Widespread publicity among business publications, both national andregional representation at various conferences of the business sector werecontinued and support was provided for large business companies in respectof the use of Irish in their branding and marketing.Consultancy and support was provided for participants and umbrellaorganisations of the private business sector such as Chambers of Commerce.26