Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
469 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount which has been spent by her Department in 2004 in regard to implementing the provision of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31150/04]
View answerMy Department has always been conscious of its remit to actively support the Irish language through the education system. We have a customer base that expects a service in Irish and the provision of Irish versions of application forms, information leaflets or books, annual reports and statistical data is almost automatically assumed. For this reason, it is not possible to easily separate out costings that are attributable to the Official Languages Act 2003.
In 2004, just under €30,000 has been spent so far on translation costs and Irish language training has to date cost €17,201.30. This expenditure would have occurred at any rate as part of providing services to our customers. These figures relate to administrative costs only and exclude expenditure on the education system.
470 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount which has been spent by public bodies or agencies funded by her Department in 2004 relating to the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31165/04]
View answerImplementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 will impact on 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 the same costs would have occurred, irrespective of the legislation. Information relating to the bodies is being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy.
