Foras na Gaeilge

Formation	2 December 1999; 24 years ago (1999-12-02)
Type	Executive agency
Legal status	Intergovernmental implementation body
Purpose	Promotion of the Irish language throughout Ireland
Headquarters	Dublin and Belfast
Region served	Ireland
Official language	Irish
CEO	Seán Ó Coinn
Main organ	Board of directors
Parent organisation	The North/South Language Body
Staff	57
Website	Foras na Gaeilge

Foras na Gaeilge ([ˈfˠɔɾˠəsˠ n̪ˠə ˈɡeːlʲɟə], "Irish Institute"; FnaG) 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 (including the book distributor Áisíneacht Dáiliúchan Leabhar), 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 (NSMC) was established under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (1998), to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland. The Language Body (consisting of two agencies i.e. Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch) 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.