1. Introduction

In 2020, Foras na Gaeilge published its first Strategic Direction that set out the organisation’s major strategic objectives for 2020-2025. As the end of that period approached, Foras na Gaeilge launched a consultation process to seek the views of the public on a draft of a new Strategic Direction setting out proposed strategic objectives for 2025-2030.

2. Background

The draft Strategic Direction 2025-2030 is available here. A large text version of the Direction is available here. It was based on discussion sessions with Foras na Gaeilge’s staff and Board and external experts on various topics relating to the state and status of the Irish language in society, North and South. As is customary with such documents, detailed information about resources and specific timescales for implementation of objectives were not included. Instead, this Strategic Direction aimed to identify Foras na Gaeilge’s work priorities for the coming years at a high strategic level. The next Corporate Plan (2026-2028) and the annual Business Plans that we agree with both Sponsorship Departments will provide detailed information on specific resources, targets and implementation timelines. 

3. Consultation process

Stage 1:

From July to September 2024, Foras na Gaeilge invited the public to comment on this draft Strategic Direction. Individuals and/or organisations had the option of completing a short survey or submitting a longer submission. 22 submissions and 73 responses to the survey were received and this feedback is analysed here:

Analysis of submissions - Irish version only 

Analysis of survey responses – Irish version only

Stage 2:

Public meetings, both on-site and online, were held in October and November 2024 to provide more opportunities for the public to participate in the discussion:

• Tuesday 22^nd October at 7pm: Raidió Fáilte building, Belfast (interpretation to English provided).
• Thursday 31^st October at 4pm: Suite 4, Level 1, INEC, Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry (meeting in Irish as part of Oireachtas na Gaeilge).
• Tuesday 19^th November at 4pm: virtual online meeting (interpretation to English provided).
• Tuesday 19^th November at 7pm: virtual online meeting (interpretation to English provided).

A meeting about the Strategic Direction was held with Lead Organisation Conradh na Gaeilge in Dublin on Wednesday 20^th November.

Many different views were gathered from the public at the meetings and this feedback is being taken into account in redrafting that is ongoing at present. An amended draft of the Strategic Direction will be submitted to the Board of Foras na Gaeilge in December 2024 and subject to board approval, we intend to publish the Strategic Direction 2025-2030 in early 2025.

4. Equality of opportunity

Under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, Foras na Gaeilge has a duty to promote equality of opportunity and good relations. Given the nature and copy of the Strategic Direction, we decided that this draft would be subject to an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), considering its implications for equality and good relations. A draft of this Assessment is available here. A large text version of the Assessment is available here. During the consultation, we particularly welcomed feedback on these themes, met representative groups and invited them to the public meetings. An amended EQIA will be published together with the final version of the Strategic Direction.