Speaking after their meeting at Stormont last week, the Minister said: "Over the next three years the Ulster-Scots Agency’s funding is to receive a welcome boost of £3million. This will provide an extra 15 Ulster-Scots Summer Schools, 12 Ulster-Scots after schools clubs and music or dance tuition for 500 young people.
“The Ulster-Scots culture is increasingly being recognised as a very important part of the Northern Ireland culture, making a valuable contribution to the economy and tourism. The agency must therefore be adequately funded to enable it to do its promotional activities properly.”
The Minister continued: “This new funding will strengthen the infrastructure of the Ulster-Scots Agency and can be seen as part of the Government’s commitment to the Ulster-Scots community.
“The £3million will have a very real and visible impact on the ground. The activities that will be funded are primarily culturally based which will make them accessible to everyone across the community.”
Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency Mark Thompson also welcomed the additional funding over the budget period 2008-2011.
He said: "The additional funding will also enable the agency to support 20 community based festivals, Provide support for Ulster-Scots activity for 20 new groups engaging in Ulster-Scots activity for the first time."
In conclusion the Minister said: “I am also looking at further options to secure more funding that will be delivered at grass roots levels by the Ulster-Scots Agency.”
The Minister is currently visiting Tennessee and Texas from 8-14 March in his drive to promote Ulster-Scots links with the US.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Budget Breakdown relating to the additional money for Ulster-Scots as a result of the St Andrews Agreement equates to-
2008 - £750k;
2009 - £1m
2010 - £1.25m.
This will give the Ulster-Scots Agency a budget over the next three years of -
2008 - £3.31m;
2009 - £3.61m
2010 - £3.92m.
2. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
