Belfast firm KRW Law has welcome a U-turn by Communities Minister Paul Givan on his initial decision to withdraw funding from the Líofa Irish language bursary scheme.

Niall Murphy, partner at KRW Law, said the firm had sent a pre-action letter to Mr Givan asserting that his decision was unlawful.

The letter, sent last Friday, said the decision was in breach of their client’s legitimate expectation that Mr Givan would continue to fund the scheme; that it was procedurally flawed because no consultation took place; that the decision breached equality laws; that it was discriminatory on the ground of religion and/or political opinion; and that it was irrational.

The withdrawal of £50,000 in funding was announced in an email to gaeltacht colleges on 23 December.

The decision has been reversed after Mr Givan today tweeted he had “identified the necessary funding to advance” the scheme.

Mr Givan also insisted his original decision was not politically-motivated.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Murphy said: “We were privileged to receive the instructions of a mature student whose interest in the Irish language was inspired by a radio interview with Linda Ervine and the event of Irish classes being convened at the East Belfast Mission.

“We are grateful to the assistance afforded to us by An Dream Dearg, Conradh na Gaeilge, the Committee for the Administration of Justice and also the former Minister for Culture Arts and Leisure.”