I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 430 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No. 131 of 21 November 2013. As I indicated in my reply, a decision on whether or not to extend the derogation regarding the use of Irish in EU institutions 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 should also be noted that, as part of the Government's strategy 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, my Department continues to provide substantial funding for a range of specialised third-level courses and for the development of Irish language terminology for the EU terminology database, InterActive Terminology for Europe (IATE).
