Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - Official Language Equality.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

368 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional costs which have arisen from the obligations on his Department in relation to the adoption by the Government in July 2002 of official language equality as one of the three new principles for quality customer services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24603/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I can inform the Deputy that even before the adoption of official language equality as one of three new principles for quality customer service, my Department recognised the rights of people to have documentation translated into the Irish language. No additional costs, therefore, have arisen from the adoption of this principle.