I propose to take Questions Nos. 449 to 451, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions No. 10 and 33 of 15 Bealtaine 2008 in relation to these matters, in which I indicated that Foras na Gaeilge has a statutory responsibility for providing advice and assistance to public bodies with regard to the delivery of services through Irish. In that context, my Department is continuing to work with Foras na Gaeilge and other interested parties in relation to putting in place resources to enhance the capacity of the public service to provide services through Irish. These include:
Development of a Quality Assurance System for Translators
Foras na Gaeilge has, at my request, developed an accreditation system for Irish language translators. To date 98 translators have achieved the required standard. I understand that the results of the accreditation examination held earlier this year will be available within the next fortnight and that this will significantly increase the number of accredited translators. The system is a significant resource for public bodies in their implementation of the Official Languages Act. In addition, support is offered to assist translators in achieving the standard required for accreditation. The accreditation system will be a continuous process and will involve examination of translators at regular intervals on an ongoing basis.
Establishment of Dedicated Fund for 3rd level courses
In 2006 I established a dedicated fund for advanced Irish language third level courses to help increase the number of professionals with particular skills in the context of the requirements arising from the Official Languages Act 2003 and from the status accorded to Irish as an official and working language of the EU. My Department is working in collaboration with the HEA, King's Inns and a number of other bodies and institutions in relation to the development of such courses. At the request of my Department, the HEA invited proposals from the third level sector in this regard in 2006 and again towards the end of last year. A number of courses were approved in 2006 and 2007, and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently approved funding for a number of additional courses. Courses being funded under this initiative include courses in the area of translation and interpretation. A number of courses have already commenced and it is hoped that further courses can be rolled out during 2008. Funding has also been provided to enable a number students with fluency in the Irish language attend a dedicated course for interpreters at the University of Westminster.
Development of Irish Language Translation Memory Resource
During 2007, my Department, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, began the process of developing, on a phased basis, a Translation Memory resource for the Irish language. Translation Memory is based on the reuse of already translated material in order to save time and money. The intention is that this resource will become available during 2008. When developed, this will be a very practical and important resource that will facilitate public bodies in complying with their obligations under the Official Languages Act in a more effective manner by reducing the costs associated with translation to the Irish language.
Other Resources in Place
A number of additional resources and supports have also been made available for public bodies to aid them in developing the range and quality of services they provide through the Irish language. These include a testing and certification system for adult learners of Irish developed by the Language Centre, NUI Maynooth, which involves the awarding of qualifications with Europe-wide recognition, as well as a glossary of signage and other terms established by Foras na Gaeilge on its website www.gaeilge.ie which continues to be developed and expanded. In addition, during 2007, I provided a research grant, from my Department's Ciste na Gaeilge, to Fiontar, Dublin City University, to assist in the development of a database of EU and legal terminology in the Irish language. In addition, King's Inns, with financial assistance from my Department, provided an intensive Irish language course in 2007 to assist candidates for positions as Lawyer Linguists in the EU Institutions to reach the necessary standard. The intensive course is being provided again this year and the Society has indicated that it intends to provide the three year Barrister-at-Law through Irish as from the 2009/2010 academic year.