AQW 23189/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy

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.

Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 24 February 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
24 February 2025
Answer due by
11 March 2025
Answered
18 March 202522 days after tabling
Department
Department for the Economy
Priority question
No

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.

FUND2024/25 BudgetSource
Irish Language Broadcast Fund£3.2mDepartment for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Irish Language Broadcast Fund€1.0mDepartment of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media
Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund£1.1mDepartment for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Official sources