Official Languages Act 2003 Compliance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Questions (531)

Gerry Adams

Question:

531. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements put in place by his Department to ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act, specifically requirements for signage in departmental offices, schools, third level institutions; details of any assessments undertaken by departmental staff to assess requirements; the number of signs assessed; when any corrective actions were put in place; if any or all of the actions taken by his Department were within the designated timeframes set out in legislation, and if not the reasoning for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40539/13]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An Coimisinéir Teanga is currently conducting an audit of my Department’s signage and the results are awaited. An Irish Language Scheme 2006 – 2009 has been published under Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003. This sets out the responsibilities of my Department under the Act and remains in place until the publication of a new scheme. Copies of the Scheme have been circulated to all Department offices and it is also available on the Department’s website.

An Irish Language Unit, located in Portlaoise, was established as part of Corporate Affairs Division. The purpose of the Unit is to provide help and assistance to staff in meeting the requirements of the Act.