Foras na Gaeilge

Foras na Gaeilge is a public body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland, including both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It was set up on 2 December 1999, assuming the roles of the Irish language board Bord na Gaeilge, the publisher An Gúm, and the terminological committee An Coiste Téarmaíochta, all three of which had formerly been state bodies of the Irish government.

Functions

Promotion of the Irish language;
Facilitating and encouraging its use in speech and writing in public and private life in the Republic of Ireland and, in the context of Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in Northern Ireland where there is appropriate demand;
Advising both administrations, public bodies and other groups in the private and voluntary sectors;
Undertaking supportive projects, and grant-aiding bodies and groups as considered necessary;
Undertaking research, promotional campaigns, and public and media relations;
Developing terminology and dictionaries;
Supporting Irish-medium education and the teaching of Irish.

The North South Ministerial Council was established under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland. The Language Body was one of six North South Implementation Bodies which were set up and operate on an all-island basis. While having a clear operational remit, all operate under the overall policy direction of the North South Ministerial Council, with clear accountability lines back to the council and to the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Publications

The Irish-language publisher An Gúm, established by the Irish Free State, became part of Foras na Gaeilge in 1999.
Educational materials in Irish and dictionaries continue to be produced.
Saol, also known as Saol na Gaeilge, was a free Irish-language monthly newspaper that was funded by Foras na Gaeilge. First published in 1988 and based in Dublin, as of 2001 it was edited by Colm Ó Torna.