Foras na Gaeilge Chief Executive, Seán Ó Coinn has warmly welcomed the publication of S2@25: Full Collective Impacts Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the work and impact of the cross-border bodies since their establishment under the Good Friday Agreement. 

He said "Our Board and staff are proud that Foras na Gaeilge has been recognised in the document as an institution that has a great impact throughout the island, particularly in the area of communities. The report recognises the central role played by Foras na Gaeilge in supporting Irish language community networks through funding, advice and resources. It recognises the professionalism and personal commitment of our staff, who make a significant contribution to the development of the Irish language in the community and to the promotion of the language in the fields of education, culture and on a social basis. Foras na Gaeilge welcomes this recognition especially at a time when the organisation's budget is under so much pressure. Despite significant cuts over more than a decade to the budget available to support communities, this report demonstrates the impact of the work we have done to promote the Irish language across the island". 

The report recognises the effective use of digital technology by Foras na Gaeilge to provide language resources to the public. It also highlights the development of online platforms, online dictionaries, learning apps and digital content, which enhance access to the Irish language and facilitate cross-border collaboration, particularly in context of remote working. 

It states that Foras na Gaeilge is undertaking ‘pioneering work’ in the field of lexicography, including the development and updating of online Irish dictionaries, terminology resources and digital resources for language studies. This work is making a significant contribution to the teaching and learning of the language in the education system and the use of Irish in the public sector. 

Welcoming the publication of the research, Foras na Gaeilge Chairperson, Professor Regina Uí Chollatáin, said, "This report is a clear illustration of the positive impact that Foras na Gaeilge has had as a cross-border institution, and of the value our work has for the Irish-speaking community throughout the island. We are committed to continuing this work in a spirit of collaboration, innovation and public service."  

Ends 

Further information:  

The report is available here: Implementing the opportunities from peace: An overview of the collective impacts of the North-South Implementation Bodies established under Strand 2 of the 1998 Good Friday/Belfast Agreement 

Questions: 

Anna Davitt, Programme Manager: Communications, Marketing & Awareness, Foras na Gaeilge 

Tel : 00 353 87 293 7686 Email: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie