Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what has been done by their Department to match the extra funding required for Foras na Gaeilge.
First Minister and deputy First Minister: No budget has yet been set for Foras na Gaeilge.
We understand that Department for Communities (DfC) officials are working with their Irish Government counterparts and with Foras na Gaeilge on the development of a Business Plan and associated budget, which will go through the normal approval processes in each jurisdiction before coming to a NSMC Language meeting for approval.
As part of investigations into the challenges faced by Foras na Gaeilge, DfC and the corresponding Irish Government department, have identified that the manner in which Foras na Gaeilge has treated pension payments is having a particular impact.
Resolving this issue could go some way towards alleviating pressures on the Body. DfC and DoF are working through this with Irish Government counterparts at present. TEO Officials in the NSMC Joint Secretariat are also engaging on this to support finding a resolution.
ENDS
Your MLA 