§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what consideration he has given to the independent audit of Belfast Glor na nGael's accounts; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what are the procedures by which charitable street collections are authorised in Northern Ireland; and whether these procedures were fully complied with for the first Irish language collection undertaken by Glor na nGael in Belfast on 10 October 1990;
(3) when the decision was made to withdraw funds from Glor na nGael.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThese matters are within the purview of current proceedings before the High Court in Northern Ireland and further comment by me at this stage would not be appropriate.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to ensure that the development of Irish language resources in the community will not suffer as a result of the withdrawal of funds from Glor Na nGael.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Government recognise the interest and importance which many people attach to the Irish language and culture, and have a policy of active support for Irish language projects through their cultural traditions programme and other programmes, such as the action for community employment scheme and the Belfast602W action teams initiative. Overall Government spending on the Irish language has increased from approximately £88,000 in 1985–86 to an expected level considerably in excess of £700,000 in 1991–92. This does not take into account the very substantial annual amount spent in schools and colleges of further education. The Government will continue to support efforts to increase awareness and appreciation of the language as part of the cultural heritage of Northern Ireland.