Allister denounces Foras na Gaeilge
26 August 2005
I have previously exposed the immunity of the cross-border bodies, set up
under the Belfast Agreement, from the Freedom of Information Act. I have
since been pursuing each of these bodies, on an individual basis, as to the
community background of their respective workforces. To date the most
appalling response I have had is from Foras na Gaeilge.
Foras na Gaeilge is a component part of the Language Body set up under the
Belfast Agreement. The Ulster Scots Agency is the other component.
By letter of 24th August 2005 Foras na Gaeilge has refused to supply any
information on the community background of its workforce. It claims no such
information is held on those employed by it in the Republic (the majority of
its workforce) - which I find surprising, given the Dublin Government's
abrasive demands over the years for such legislation to apply in Northern
Ireland. I rather suspect Foras na Gaeilge knows full well the composition
of its workforce but wishes to conceal such embarrassing statistics.
I have responded to Foras na Gaeilge's latest letter in the following
terms:-
Dr O’Cearnaigh
Foras na Gaeilge
7 Cearnog Mhuifean
CLAITH 2
26 August 2005
Dear Dr O'Cearnaigh
I am in receipt of your letter of 24 August 2005.
I note your failure to supply any information on the community background of
your workforce. I am disappointed at the lack of transparency attaching
to the operation of your organisation. I am left wondering what you have to
hide!
If it does not unduly disturb the mask of secrecy behind which clearly Foras
na Gaeilge wishes to operate, then, I would like to know the number of
current employees from the pre-existing bodies which were subsumed into your
organisation and the current number of employees that have since been
employed in Northern Ireland.
I note the affirmation that Foras na Gaeilge is "an equal opportunity
employer", but, frankly such rings rather hollow when you refuse the
information which could demonstrate that such is the case. Does Foras na
Gaeilge accept any need exists to address imbalances in the workforce?
Yours sincerely
James H Allister QC MEP
