At present, as the people of Ireland tackle the challenges of COVID-19, it will be important that organisations of every type work together to mitigate the implications of the spread of the virus.

In order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to our staff, colleagues in other organisations, and to the general public, and to protect their health and security, Foras na Gaeilge has today put in place special arrangements in its five offices.

In complying with guidance from both governments, and until the Covid-19 emergency is over, most of the staff will be able to work from home. Although the staff will not be present in our various offices, work will, as far as possible, continue as normal.

Work meetings among staff, and between Foras na Gaeilge staff and other parties, will take place via videoconferencing and telephone, and we have put arrangements in place, as requested by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and the Department for the Communities, to ensure that organisations receive their funding early to support them between now and the end of May.

The Foras na Gaeilge Board will continue with its work as well, supporting staff and guiding the organisation, by way of technology at their meetings.

Chief Executive Seán Ó Coinn said in reference to the emergency arrangements today, “Of course, as we as a society north and south deal with one of the most acute challenges we have ever faced, we all have a duty, in our various areas of work and life, to support our communities, our stakeholders and each other. Foras na Gaeilge staff will be in touch with the various organisations who depend on us for funding, direction and advice in the coming weeks, to ensure that they can support the public, through technology, online and in other creative and innovative ways. By doing this, we hope we can do our bit to help the people of Ireland, north and south, and the Irish language community in Ireland and abroad, to stay in touch with each other, and to support each other.”

The same contact arrangements will be in place for people wishing to contact Foras na Gaeilge, and further information will be placed on our website on a regular basis.

Ends

Queries:

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

Tel: 0035387 673 6175, email: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie