Official Languages Act 2003 Compliance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Questions (585)

Gerry Adams

Question:

585. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health 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. [40548/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Department of Health has a statutory scheme in accordance with the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. This scheme details the services the Department will provide through the medium of Irish and is designed to ensure that customers who wish to conduct their business with the Department through Irish can do so. In July and September 2013, the commitments outlined in the Department's scheme were audited by the Office of the Comisinéir Teanga, including commitments in relation to bilingual signage in the Department's office. The outcome of this audit is awaited. Any necessary corrective actions will be put in place.