9 May 2024 

The Chairperson of Foras na Gaeilge has welcomed the announcement by the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, regarding the recent "Céad Míle Fáilte" initiative. Professor Regina Uí Chollatáin expressed her belief that the funding for this initiative would greatly assist minority communities to acquire Irish, to participate in Irish language events and of course, to become an integral part of the Irish language community. According to Uí Chollatáin, "this initiative will greatly enhance efforts in Irish-medium schools and in the Irish-language and Gaeltacht communities across the island to extend a “Céad Míle Fáilte “to those coming to live in Ireland."

Céad Míle Fáilte sends out a strong and clear message to people coming to Ireland that they are welcome, that the Irish language community and Irish speakers across the island want to welcome them into the wider Irish language community, and that we want to ensure that they have every opportunity to learn and use the Irish language.  

Welcoming the funding, Foras na Gaeilge Chief Executive, Seán Ó Coinn, said, "There are many aspects of Irishness and of being Irish on the island, and the Irish language is central among these. When a small, vociferous minority seeks to claim that the new Irish are not welcome, it is important, on behalf of the Irish language and Gaeltacht community, to welcome people from other countries. It is important that they are given an opportunity to help us broaden the use of Irish among all communities on the island". 

Ends 

Further information:  

Céad Míle Fáilte was funded by Foras na Gaeilge until 2022. It will be funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Media from 2023 to 2025.

For more information about Céad Míle Fáilte go to ceadmilefailte.ie