Welcome for Irish Language funding

North Belfast Irish language activist Conor Stiobhard from the Glór an Tuaiscirt group has expressed his thanks to Sinn Féin following the announcement of a British government pledge of additional funding for Irish language broadcasting.
A failure on the part of former culture minister Edwin Poots to secure the additional funding could have spelled the end for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund (ILBF) come next March.
But intense representations by Sinn Féin to the British government has secured an additional £6 million expressly for the ILBF when the current fund runs out in March 2009.
Given the controversy that surrounded the Irish language in recent months, Conor said the timing of the additional funding couldn't have been better.
“I was delighted to hear Sinn Féin had secured additional funding for the Irish language and while the overall sum may be small, it's proof the Irish language is being taken seriously by those in government,” said Conor.
“Irish language programmes are an invaluable learning tool and this money can ensure the rights of the Irish language community continue to be protected.
“The DUP has given Irish speakers and our language a tough ride lately but the British Prime Minister stepping in on this occasion is a positive step.
“The more people shout for equality and campaign the further we will go and this progress just further proves an Irish Language Act is just around the corner.”
Welcoming the announcement Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said it would allow the good work of Irish language broadcasters to continue.
But because the funding will only last for two years, Gerry said it was crucial to keep pressurising Gregory Campbell to fulfil his ministerial remit.