AQW 23189/22-27
Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast
Tabled Date: 24/02/2025
Answered On Date: 18/03/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the operation of the (i) Irish Language Broadcast Fund; and (ii) Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.
Answer:
The Irish Language Broadcast Fund supports Irish language content of high quality and fosters the Irish speaking independent production sector in the North. The Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund supports expression of heritage, culture and language through moving image. The Fund also aims to foster the Ulster-Scots independent production sector here and to fund high quality Ulster-Scots cultural TV and radio programmes. Both Funds are administered by NI Screen and funding is provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport via the British Film Institute. The Irish Language Broadcast Fund also receives funding from the Irish Government via the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media. Funding for 2024/25 is provided in the table below. FUND | 2024/25 Budget | Source | Irish Language Broadcast Fund | £3.2m | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Irish Language Broadcast Fund | €1.0m | Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media | Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund | £1.1m | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport |
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