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Irish Language

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (252, 254, 255)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

252. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm if press releases will be released simultaneously in Irish and in English as was outlined in his Department's first language scheme; if his Department will provide a dedicated telephone service to deal with inquiries in Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25416/13]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

254. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the second language scheme for his Department, under section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003, was not renewed until recently, particularly in view of the fact that the previous scheme has expired since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25418/13]

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Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

255. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department has in its second language scheme under section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003, not implemented some of the commitments which were given in the first language scheme, as regards the services which would be available to the public in Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25419/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 254 and 255 together.

My Department is committed to ensuring that it provides the best service possible, in both official languages, to the general public. My Department has implemented the commitments in its first Irish Language Scheme and will adhere to these commitments including those related to press releases and telephone service. The Deputy should note that in accordance with the commitments made in the first scheme, a dedicated telephone number for queries in Irish (01) 8896780 is in place. The purpose of this service is to provide an Irish language first point of contact for Irish language speakers.

The Second Irish Language Scheme was confirmed recently by my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Mr. Dinny McGinley T.D. and this Scheme will remain in place for a period of 3 years from April, 2013 or until a new scheme has been confirmed by the Minister pursuant to section 15 of the Act.

My Department's second Irish Language Scheme notes the objective to continue to deliver on the commitments set out in the first Scheme and build on the progress achieved across the Department over the preceding period. Most importantly, the commitments in this Scheme have been made in the context of what is practical and achievable over the coming three years given the current constraints on human and financial resources.

My Department's first Irish Language Scheme ran from 2005-2008. In 2009, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga conducted an Investigation of the Department's Irish Language Scheme under Paragraph 21(c) of the Official Languages Act 2003. Once this investigation was concluded, my Department commenced drawing up its second Irish Language Scheme and the draft Scheme was submitted to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht thereafter. The 2nd scheme was commenced on the 22nd April, 2013.

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