| Type: | Executive agency |
| Status: | Intergovernmental implementation body |
| Purpose: | Promotion of the Irish language throughout Ireland |
| Headquarters: | Dublin and Belfast |
| Region Served: | Ireland |
| Language: | Irish |
| Leader Title: | CEO |
| Leader Name: | Seán Ó Coinn |
| Main Organ: | Board of directors |
| Parent Organisation: | The North/South Language Body |
| Num Staff: | 57 |
(in Irish pronounced as /ˈfˠɔɾˠəsˠ n̪ˠə ˈɡeːlʲɟə/, "Irish Institute"; ) is a public body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland, including both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It was set up on 2 December 1999, assuming the roles of the Irish language board (including the book distributor), the publisher, and the terminological committee, all three of which had formerly been state bodies of the Irish government.
The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) was established under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (1998), to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland. The Language Body (consisting of two agencies i.e. Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch) was one of six North South Implementation Bodies which were set up and operate on an all-island basis. While having a clear operational remit, all operate under the overall policy direction of the North South Ministerial Council, with clear accountability lines back to the council and to the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
An Gúm, which previously published Irish language books for the Department of Education, became part of Foras na Gaeilge following its formation in 1999.[1] Foras na Gaeilge is also involved in publishing dictionaries.[2]
Saol (meaning 'life'), also known as Saol na Gaeilge,[3] was a free Irish-language monthly newspaper that was funded by Foras na Gaeilge.[4] [5] First published in 1988 and based in Dublin,[6] [7] as of 2001 it was edited by Colm Ó Torna.[4]