It is estimated that €983.37 in 2003 and €1,627.26 in 2004 has been spent on translating Departmental documentation into Irish. Figures for translations for earlier years are not recorded separately. My Department also promotes the further development of the Irish language by encouraging staff to participate in the CMOD's Gaeltacht scholarship scheme, Scéim Scoláireachta Gaeltachta. Since 1999, 31 staff have participated in this scheme. The costs associated with this scheme are outlined below:
Year
|
Number
|
Cost
|
|
|
€
|
1999
|
8
|
711
|
2000
|
6
|
540
|
2001
|
4
|
360
|
2002
|
7
|
630
|
2003
|
7
|
630
|
Total
|
31
|
2,871
|
My Department administers a refund of fees scheme to encourage staff to pursue appropriate third level courses in their own time. One member of staff commenced a university degree programme in Irish in 2002 at a cost to date of €2,390.