Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
438. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding provided by the Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch to the Royal Landing Festival on 14 June 2025; what was the Ulster Scots language component, if any, of the festival; and whether the advertising or marketing of the event sponsored by Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch include text in any language other than English. [33482/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from the Ulster-Scots Agency that the organisation provided a grant of £5,650 to the Royal Landing community festival. This award supported a range of Ulster-Scots cultural programming including Ulster-Scots musical displays across a range of genres, a display of highland dancing, historical re-enactors, historical talks, an exhibition and associated logistical arrangements. The application was assessed and the award made in line with the Agency's NSMC-approved Financial Assistance Scheme.
The Ulster-Scots Agency's primary responsibility is to promote the Ulster-Scots language and culture within Northern Ireland and throughout the island of Ireland. While Ulster-Scots language content is desirable, it is not compulsory and I understand that there was no specific language element to the Royal Landing. The organisers did, as required, use the Ulster-Scots Agency's logo, which is bilingual, on all promotional materials.
