Before Christmas, the Minister for Communities in the Northern Ireland Executive announced he was cutting funding for an Irish language scheme.
Líofa is a cross-community, inclusive programme which helps teach Irish language, history and culture to any and all interested citizens. It ran a summer school Scheme which let children and young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, attend the beautiful Donegal Gaeltacht. This is the scheme which the Minister for Communities has cut.
He has taken all funding (£50,000) away, citing the need “efficiency savings” to he made in the Department. But he has found the same amount of money to fund pipebands.
He is a member of the DUP, a hardline Unionist party which has a history of trying to cut back on the Irish language. He has opted to continue funding for pipebands - predominately found in Unionist Communities.
This is a classic case of continued prejudice and discrimination against the Irish language in the North of Ireland. We were supposed to have a Irish Language Act, which would provide legal recognition and protection to the language. The DUP, the largest party in government here, are staunch opponents. Without such legal protection and recognition, Irish schemes can be axed and funding reduced.
In response, An Dream Dearg has formed - a movement of rights and equality activists. The group wants to highlight the Líofa funding case, and make everyone aware of what is happening in N Ireland.
There will also be a legal challenge to the decision to axe the funding, on the basis that it is a human rights violation.
Please, please share this. Spread the word that active discrimination is underway in N Ireland.
Bígí páirteach sa ghréasán oscailte seo de dhíograiseoirí Gaelacha ó gach cearn agus cúlra. Bígí linn. Bímís #DeargleFearg
Join this open network of activists from all corners and backgrounds. Be involved. Be #DeargLeFearg
