A new Irish-language magazine has called on two Ministers to suspend State funding for an Irish-language summer college organisation, pending a full investigation into sex abuse allegations, writes Lorna Siggins in Galway.
A number of men say they were abused by a former teacher at a Gaeltacht Irish- language college. A Garda investigation which began last January is understood to be extensive and covers a 30-year time-span.
The new magazine, Cuisle, which is supported by Bord na Gaeilge and is due to be launched in Dublin today, says that the Minister for Education, Mr Martin, and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, should freeze fund- lag from their Departments during the investigation.
"Every year, about 23,000 children and teenagers attend summer colleges In the Gaeltacht," the editor of Cuisle, Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill, says. "For many, it is an enriching social and cultural experience. It is also a cornerstone of the State's efforts to protect and promote the Irish language.
"We have seen how the public lest confidence in the Irish Amateur Swimming Association because of mishandling of investigations into allegations of sex abuse In swimming," he said.
It would be a tragic blow to the language If the public was to lose confidence in Irish summer colleges became of the secrecy and lack of transparency of one organisation," he added.