Using different terminology and structuring, the original text informs us that anticipated stories and hearsay typically circulate in the time leading up to the annual country budget’s presentation. There are predictions of increases in expenditure from various quarters but it’s worth remembering that the national treasury needs to have adequate funds to support all public spend.
However, an additional consideration has come into play for this year’s budget planning. Discussion on Budget 2025 revolves around a cost-of-living package nearing €2bn, including two double child benefit payments, with personal stories interlaced for additional context.
The European Court of Justice delivered a verdict several weeks ago categorising Ireland’s previous aid to Apple on tax matters as unlawful. This relates to the taxation of profits made by Apple outside of the United States. Consequently, the State was compelled to reclaim these funds which now gives the government control over approximately ¤14 billion. The public expectation is that this sizable sum resolution will yield significant benefits. Even though it’s not expected that all of Apple’s funds will be released at once, the government will unveil certain policies in the upcoming budget.
Moreover, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has hinted at a recent meeting of Fine Gael’s parliamentary party that the intention is to invest these funds into the country’s infrastructure. With a general election looming, it would be quite unexpected if some of the money wasn’t allocated in the Budget. However, the state’s financial management isn’t a simple matter of deduction and reimbursement. Even when trying to muster a few extra coins, there are significant fiscal decisions to be made, generally well before Budget week.
One of the reasons Conradh na Gaeilge organised the SEAS (Information and Stimulus Session) in collaboration with the National Language Planning Working Group in Dublin at the start of July was to address the disappointment experienced last year. This disappointment stemmed from the announcement in the budget that the Irish-language/Gaeltacht industry would only obtain an extra €4.2 million in government funding in 2024, bringing the total to €100.1 million, only a marginal enhancement of the 2023 allocation of €95.9 million. The frustration was compounded by the rampant inflation experienced for a prolonged period, making the €4.2 million appear paltry.
In response to this, Conradh na Gaeilge and the National Meitheal arranged a meeting in the Buswells Hotel in downtown Dáil in July. During this gathering, they put forth financial requests and introduced the Growth Plan: An Investment Plan for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht 2024-2029 to politicians. This proposal advocates for achieving fair support for the language from government funds in the north and south. This goal is backed by the near 130-members-strong working group, comprised of Irish-language, Gaeltacht and community groups.
Despite the Government approving additional funds for isolated projects and programmes within the year, the plan’s objective is a sustained increase in expenditure. The plan proposes that the Government’s yearly spending on the Irish language should climb from less than 0.2% to 0.4% over half a decade, equating to an approximate value of €200 million.
This increase has come under scrutiny, with critics questioning why the government’s expenditure needs to be doubled. Advocates for the Irish language have been vocal about the lack of governmental financial support and ambition for the language and the Gaeltacht region. The Arts Council for instance, which shares similarities with Foras na Gaeilge, received €134 million in the latest budget, dwarfing the €100 million given to the Irish-language/Gaeltacht sector.
The sector’s funding was significantly reduced in 2008, and these cuts are still evident. Some suggest this is due to the Department of Finance’s habit of prioritising the diminution of Irish language funding when financial cutbacks are necessitated.
Though the cultural, pedagogical, and societal importance of the Irish language may have been underestimated, it was very recently that there was a possibility, due to budget reductions, of discontinuing the Department of the Gaeltacht.
In a report issued in July 2009, An Bord Snip Nua proposed disbanding the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, shifting the responsibility for Irish language services to the Department of Education and Science. Furthermore, it suggested terminating Irish language schemes and the Irish language advisory body for Gaeltacht and Gaelscoil education (COGG).
Shifting Perspectives?
But a changing tide was noticed when for the first time in ages, the finance minister defended the Irish language. Jack Chambers, in an interaction with Raidió na Gaeltachta, emphasised the need for aiding and safeguarding the Gaeltacht through dedicated funding and concentrated policy initiatives.
He affirmed that “Budget 2025 would extend its support to the Gaeltacht. I am aware that Minister Thomas Byrne will strongly advocate for additional Gaeltacht investment in his discussions with Paschal Donohoe.”
“The public services and capital invested in housing, utilities, energy and transportation will constitute a key part of Budget 2025. The financial resources will benefit all Gaeltacht communities,” he continued.
“For families wishing to nurture their children in Irish, this is crucial. As the Finance Minister, my commitment is to providing more support and creating more opportunities for the Gaeltacht and the language, an issue close to my heart.”
Elevating state spending on the Irish language to 0.4% of the yearly budget over a span of five years would result in over €200 million for the implementation of projects and supplemental services for the Gaeltacht and Irish-speaking community.
How the funding from Apple will be employed is yet to be decided. A unique structure could potentially be established to bolster the Irish linguistic sphere, only requiring minor decision on the acquisition.
Just a nibble of the apple is needed.
Educational Policies
A policy framework focusing on instruction in Irish outside of the Gaeltacht was met with criticism when it was presented to concerned parties during a recent conference on the subject.
The recent document made no reference to objectives related to the national language, the introduction of new educational institutions, asserting the rights to learn through Irish, or augmenting the proportion of students in Irish-language schools. It came as no shock that the document was deemed deficient in aspiration and foresight. This allowed in-depth exploration when the Educational Minister, Norma Foley, met with the Irish language committee of the Oireachtas last week. Despite having been posed relevant queries, the responses lacked substantial detail.
A letter disseminated to parents on Friday by Gaeloideachas and addressed to schools expressed intense dissatisfaction with the policy blueprint. The organisation pointed out that the unit model research [Irish stream in an English language school] seemed to be “neglected”, with “minimal” reference to the naíonraí. According to the letter, the policy lacks the ambition, understanding, or substance to bring about lucidity, comprehension or bravery for the future foundations of schools.
The letter further noted that the Minister is swiftly advancing the policy and the window for input has concluded. It implores parents, in the forthcoming general election, to demand that the policy draft be both made public and open for consultation.
During her address before the Oireachtas Irish language committee, Minister Foley confirmed that she was anticipating the policy’s finalisation. It’s a point on which we likely hold a collective agreement.