Figure 2.11 Spend by the ILBF on Irish language programming
In addition to English-language programming, viewers in Northern Ireland can watch Irish-language programming, mainly on the BBC and on TG4, the Irish language channel based in Galway in the Republic of Ireland. In Belfast, the local TV service, NvTv, also broadcast some programmes in Irish. Funding for Irish language programming comes mainly through the Irish Language Broadcast Fund (ILBF) which was set up under the Good Friday Agreement and is administered by Northern Ireland Screen.
In 2010/11, spend by the ILBF remained at £3m although investment levels in certain genres have changed. The largest component of spending in 2010/11 remained documentary series, comprising almost double the amount of the second largest genre category (single documentaries).
Spend on single documentaries has more than doubled since 2009/10 to £0.5m, while spend on drama has halved to £0.3m.
