My department provides funding to Foras na Gaeilge which in turn provides support, advice and financial assistance to its six lead organisations, who are working to promote the Irish language in the community. These include Conradh na Gaeilge who have responsibility for Seachtain na Gaeilge.
The Seachtain na Gaeilge international festival is held in March each year to promote the use of the Irish language and culture, both here in Ireland and abroad. This year's festival will take place from 1 to 17 March, during which hundreds of events will be organised, both in Ireland and around the world. The Department supports the publication of an Irish language magazine insert in the Irish Independent newspaper which outlines all the scheduled events and celebrations for Seachtain na Gaeilge. Further details are available at: snag.ie/
In addition, through its Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge, my Department provides funding of €200,000 annually to Conradh na Gaeilge's Ciste Spreagtha to coordinate activities for Seachtain na Gaeilge.
Although Seachtain na Gaeilge does not have an official connection to the St. Patrick's Festival, community groups often organise their own events to celebrate the Irish language as part of their St. Patrick's Day activities.
I will be travelling to Canada this year to represent the government as part of the St. Patricks Day programme. I will be using this opportunity to promote the language abroad and intend to meet with Irish speaking groups while there. I will also be encouraging all Ministers who are travelling to use the opportunity to promote the language abroad as part of their St. Patricks day programmes.
