A north-south Irish language funding model born out of the Good Friday Agreement is "no longer fit for purpose", according to a spokesperson for Fís an Phobail.

The Irish language community has called for significant reform of the north-south funding model which supports Foras na Gaeilge (FnG), the organisation which was set up to promote both the Irish language and the Ulster Scots language under the Good Friday Agreement.

The organisation faces a deficit of €190,000 following funding cuts of around €820,000 announced by FnG in January 2025.

Sign in Irish language welcoming visitors to the gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) part of county Meath in Ireland. Image: Alamy

At present, 25% of FnG's funding comes from the government in the north and 75% from the Irish Government.

Niether government can contribute additional funds without the equivalent from the other.

President of Conradh na Gaeilge and West Belfast language planning coordinator with Fís an Phobail said it is clear to the Irish language community that the current model is "out of date and no longer fit for purpose".

"We have a responsibility to ensure this crisis is urgently addressed," he said.

"We cannot sit back and leave another generation of Irish language speakers without adequate services, spaces or support.

"Both Governments have a duty under the Good Friday Agreement to take ‘resolute action’ to promote and protect Irish."

New arrangement blocked by DUP

Recently, a new arrangement was agreed between the two Ministers of Finance, announced at the North South Ministerial Council in September 2024.

This would allow either government to put additional money towards the budget of An Foras Teanga without the equivalent of the other government.

It has since emerged that the DUP has blocked this proposal from going on the Executive’s agenda at least seven times since October 2024.

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