“I can understand why the government is making cut-backs. We’re broke. They mismanaged the boom. It’s all gone down the swanny. We need to cut a few corners. Fine. No point in moaning about anymore – although a good rant is always satisfying, I’ll avoid that here. This time. Anyway, to the point … To summarise the piece in the link, the Irish Government are funding a small college in Canada to put a second Professor of Gaeilge on the staff. After that initial statement the article/press release goes on to list details of a program that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamonn O’Cuiv implemented in 2006. Basically a €300,000 per annum fund can be applied to by any institute with a track record in Irish studies who want expand their Irish studies courses. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the promotion of Gaeilge abroad in conjunction with reputable institutes …” (more)
[Mark Coughlan, 24 January]