Official Languages Act 2003 Compliance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Questions (553)

Gerry Adams

Question:

553. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the arrangements put in place by her Department to ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act, specifically requirements for signage in departmental offices, schools and 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 her Department were within the designated timeframes set out in legislation, and, if not, the reasoning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40541/13]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My Department has prepared a draft scheme under the Official Language Act which is currently awaiting approval by my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In addition to this my Department was audited by Coimisinéirí Teanga for compliance with the provisions of the Official Languages Act (specifically requirements for signage) on Thursday 26 September. Officers of my Department conducted a pre-audit exercise to ensure obligations are being met under the legislation and I anticipate a favourable audit report will issue in due course.