(, "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. Functions Promotion of the Irish language; Facilitating and encouraging its use in speech and writing in public and private life in the Republic of Ireland and, in the context of Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in Northern Ireland where there is appropriate demand; Advising both administrations, public bodies and other groups in the private and voluntary sectors; Undertaking supportive projects, and grant-aiding bodies and groups as considered necessary; Undertaking research, promotional campaigns, and public and media relations; Developing terminology and dictionaries; Supporting Irish-medium education and the teaching of Irish. 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 Ulster-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. See also Irish language in Northern Ireland European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages British-Irish Council Languages in the United Kingdom Language revival Bòrd na Gàidhlig (Scotland) An Coimisinéir Teanga External links Official website Official website Irish language organisations Language regulators Organisations based in Belfast Organisations based in Dublin (city) 1999 establishments in Ireland 1999 establishments in Northern Ireland Organizations established in 1999 All-Ireland organisations Republic of Ireland at the 1994 FIFA World Cup Football songs and chants Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media