asked the Minister for Finance the cost of installing the proposed translation system in the Dáil; the estimated cost in respect of each word translated; the estimated cost of translating the amount of Irish used in debate in the Dáil in the past 12 months; and if, in view of the fact that the Irish text of Bills is almost invariably not considered by the Dáil, he considers this expenditure to be justified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Translation System Costs.
83.
The cost of installing the equipment necessary to provide a simultaneous translation service in the Dáil has been estimated at £5,000. Maintenance and running costs, together with additional expenditure on staff for translation from Irish to English, will be of the order of £8,000 a year. These expenses will be incurred irrespective of the amount of Irish which may be used. The Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges accepted the recommendation of Comhairle na Gaeilge for the provision of this service in order to encourage a much greater use of Irish in this House. If this purpose is achieved, I am satisfied that the expenditure will be justified.