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Irish Language

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2013

Thursday, 21 November 2013

Questions (131)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

131. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the lifting of the derogation for the Irish language to be recognised as an official language in the EU; the number of jobs that will be created from the lifting of the derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49896/13]

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Written answers

Irish was recognised as an official and working language of the European Union on 1 January 2007. The original derogation with regard to the use of Irish in EU institutions applied for 5 years from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 (Regulation No. 920/2005). This was extended for another 5 years from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016 (Regulation No. 1257/2010).

A decision on whether or not to extend the derogation for a further period of time is required by December 2015 at the latest. My Department is engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, including the EU institutions, in order to formulate specific proposals on the optimal approach to the ending of the derogation. It is hoped to bring the matter forward for consideration by Government in early 2014.

It has been estimated that the number of posts to be filled could be in the region of 180, if the derogation were ended. These posts would include positions such as linguistic administrators (translators), conference interpreters, lawyer linguists, proof readers and secretaries. In this context, I would like to note that my Department has been working closely with the European institutions and with other interested parties for a number of years to ensure that a sufficient number of qualified personnel are available to meet the needs arising from the recognition of Irish as an official and working language of the EU. In addition to funding a range of specialised third-level courses, my Department also provides funding to Fiontar in Dublin City University for the development of Irish language terminology for the EU terminology database InterActive Terminology for Europe (IATE).

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