Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
215 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has prepared an estimate of the cost to his Department of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13566/04]
View answerMy Department actively supports the Irish language and most publications, circulars, application forms and specialised stationery such as cheque stationery is available in both Irish and English. From 1 May last, any document setting out public policy proposals or considered to be of major public importance must be published simultaneously in both Irish and English. The cost impact is minimal as my Department is already compliant with this statutory requirement.
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs will be writing to each public body to ask them to set out a three-year scheme identifying the services that will be provided through Irish. When my Department is given notice under the terms of the legislation, the scheme setting out the services and the estimated cost of providing these services through Irish will be drawn up.
216 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if estimates have been prepared by the public bodies funded by his Department in regard to the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13581/04]
View answerImplementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 will affect all public bodies under the aegis of my Department. Some agencies, such as the State Examinations Commission, provide services in both Irish and English as a matter of course and implementing the Act will not incur significant overheads. For other agencies, there will be increased cost in complying with the Act but estimates are not available as yet.
