Official Languages Act 2003 Compliance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Questions (630)

Gerry Adams

Question:

630. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport 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. [40554/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

With the addition of the Tourism and Sport functions to the Department's portfolio, tenders were sought for exterior signs for the Department's Office buildings. A contract was placed with the lowest tenderer. These signs were in compliance with the Official Languages Act with appropriate prominence given to the Irish language. The issue of internal signage is under constant review and is subject to change in keeping with any realignment of functions of divisions within the Department.  An Coimisinéir Teanga carried out an audit recently on two of the Department's buildings. If the audit reveals any deficiencies in compliance with the Act the Department will  remedy these immediately. The Deputy might note that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no responsibility for schools or third level institutions.