An Gúm

An Gúm (pronounced [ənˠ ˈɡuːmˠ], "The Scheme") was an Irish state company tasked with the publication of Irish literature, especially educational materials. The agency is now part of Foras na Gaeilge. Its mission statement is "To produce publications and resources in support of Irish-medium education and of the use of Irish in general." It is the largest publisher of books in Irish in the country. Seosamh Ó Murchú is the current Senior Editor.

History

An Gúm was founded in 1925 as part of the Department of Education by Ernest Blythe, then Minister for Finance in the Irish Free State. Its purpose was to ensure a supply of textbooks and general books which would be required to implement the policy of reviving the Irish language. Many of the early publications were translations of famous and contemporary English-language books, such as Dracula. There were some translations of other European authors, and, of course, Irish authors who wrote in English. The agency provided financial support for native Irish-language writers and published original writing in Irish by authors such as Máirtín Ó Cadhain, Seosamh Mac Grianna and Tomás Ó Criomhthain. An Gúm regularly publishes new editions of many books written and published in the 1920s and 1930s. An Gúm remained part of the Department of Education until 1999 when, with the Belfast Agreement, its functions were moved under the cross-border body, Foras na Gaeilge, which has a statutory obligation in respect of the publication of Irish language materials for education.