An Irish language scheme co-ordinated by An Culturlann Ui Chanain in Derry is being cut, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has said.
Mr Durkan criticised the decision to axe the Leargas Scheme, an initiative which brings Irish language teachers into English medium schools.
The Foyle MLA said he is "hugely disappointed" to learn it is the latest scheme to be given the axe as part of wider cuts to the education sector.
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In a statement, Mr Durkan said: “I’m hugely disappointed to learn that the Léargas Scheme is the latest provision facing the incredulous cuts within the education sector.
“This is an invaluable initiative which has brought the Irish Language to English Medium Schools for the past decade. It has served to cultivate a love of language in the younger generations and equipped them with children skills that will serve them throughout life."
He continued: “At a time when the Department of Education should be building on the scheme's success and increasing investment in Irish Language, it's difficult to comprehend the decision to axe funding and effectively end this important scheme.
"The decision is devastating and will see a loss to the Irish Language being taught officially in any school outside of Irish medium schools. I’m acutely aware that difficult decisions must be made given budget pressures facing the department at this time however, given the value and cultural significance of this scheme. It’s crucial that funding must be secured to ensure its continuation."
The SDLP MLA added: "The Léargas scheme connects children in Derry with counterparts in the Irish Medium Sector, with the wider Irish Language community in the city and creates a vision for a Derry in which all identities, languages, and cultural backgrounds are celebrated.
"For 10 years, Léargas has connected children in schools across the North with their counterparts in the Irish Medium Sector. It has helped to create a more inclusive community which celebrates all identities and languages. That legacy must not be lost. I’ve written to the Education Permanent Secretary urging intervention to save this scheme.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “The Department has yet to receive its confirmed budget for 2023-24. The interim allocation from the Northern Ireland Office is extremely challenging and has required significant reductions across a wide range of areas.
“In light of the considerable budgetary pressures, the Department has had to cease or reduce funding across a number of programmes. We recognise fully how disappointing this has been to those organisations impacted.
"However, in the current financial climate, the Department has had to make some very difficult decisions.”
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