DECLARATION OF SUPPORT

1. We, the participants in the multi-party negotiations, believe that the agreement we have negotiated offers a truly historic opportunity for a new beginning.

explore urgently with the relevant British authorities, and in co-operation with the Irish broadcasting authorities, the scope for achieving more widespread availability of Teilifis na Gaeilige in Northern Ireland;
seek more effective ways to encourage and provide financial support for Irish language film and television production in Northern Ireland; and
encourage the parties to secure agreement that this commitment will be sustained by a new Assembly in a way which takes account of the desires and sensitivities of the community.

How can the Irish language community take this forward?
The most effective way to promote the Irish language through the media is for the Irish language community to set up its own community television service owned and run by a body comprising Irish language representatives.

How should an Irish language television service operate?
The Irish language television service should be different from existing models which are currently operating. TnG or Channel Four derive programmes by receiving ideas from the numerous independent companies. They then commission those ideas which they think are appropriate. These are limited by the amount of money they can afford to spend on programming. The BBC make most of their programmes in house with some going to independents.

We are suggesting another route to good programme production, one which roots skills, resources, jobs and gives a genuine voice to ALL the community which the station seeks to serve.

What are its mechanisms?

• A number of programme training/production centres are set up where there is a substantial Irish speaking community i.e. Belfast, Newry, Derry.