Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

322 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science his future plans for the Linguistic Institute of Ireland; if a board of directors is in place at the institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23397/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Institiúid Teangólaíochta Éireann is a company limited by guarantee and without share capital, having been incorporated in October 1972. It serves as a national centre for research on all aspects of language, language behaviour, language learning and language teaching, with special reference to Irish and involving English and modern European languages. The institute receives an annual grant-in-aid from my Department and income from agency payments and the sale of publications.

In recent years a VFM study and an independent consultancy study have made recommendations on the re-organisation of ITÉ activities. The operation of the company is a matter for the members of the company in accordance with the company memorandum and articles of association.

My Department has had recent discussions with representatives of the executive committee of the company on its future intentions, having regard to a number of operational issues. In this context, I have been advised that an extraordinary general meeting of the company, held on 18 July, passed a resolution to go into voluntary liquidation.

My Department has given a commitment to provide every assistance to the company in giving effect to its future intentions, in partnership with the staff of the institute. This will include arrangements for ensuring the continuation of the research functions previously carried out by the institute and, in the interests of assisting an orderly wind-up, facilitating appropriate re-deployment or other appropriate arrangements for permanent staff in line with general public service policy in these matters and subject to agreement with the Department of Finance. I have asked to be kept informed of progress in these matters.

The Articles of Association provide that the company can comprise up to 23 members. There are 13 members on the board of directors of ITÉ.

Question No. 323 answered with Question No. 316.