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Official Languages Act.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004

Tuesday, 11 May 2004

Questions (56, 57)

Brian O'Shea

Question:

83 Mr. O’Shea asked the Taoiseach 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. [13560/04]

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Brian O'Shea

Question:

84 Mr. O’Shea asked the Taoiseach 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. [13575/04]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.

Even prior to the enactment of the Official Languages Act 2003, my Department was already meeting the required standards of bilingual practice in areas such as signage, stationery and in publications such as the Department's strategy statement, annual report and customer charter. Therefore, the Act in these areas involves no extra costs for this Department.

As the Deputy is aware, the Act provides for preparation in due course by my Department, and individually by each by the bodies under its aegis, of a scheme in regard to the delivery of our services to the general public in the Irish language. I am informed that the Department of Community, Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs is preparing guidelines to assist public bodies, including all Departments and bodies under their aegis, in preparing these schemes. It is anticipated that the guidelines will be finalised in the near future.

As my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has already informed the House, it is anticipated then that the first tranche of public bodies will be asked to prepare draft schemes for approval by him once the draft guidelines have gone through the necessary statutory consultation procedure.

When my Department and the bodies under its aegis have prepared their draft schemes, I will be in a position to say what, if any, additional costs may arise in their implementation.

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