Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
259. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to promote the use of Irish in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14168/15]
View answerFollowing cross-party support in the Houses of the Oireachtas the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, was published in December 2010. The Strategy sets out nine areas for action including public services. Among the objectives of the Strategy is to increase the number of people who use State services through the medium of Irish.
The Programme for Government 2011-2016 states that the Government will support the Strategy and will deliver the achievable goals proposed in the Strategy.
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has primary responsibility for matters concerning the Irish language and my Department is fully engaged with that Department to assist in progressing the Strategy and specifically in promoting the use of Irish through an Irish language Scheme.
In 2006 my Department completed its first Irish Language Scheme and is currently in the process of finalising a new Scheme which it is hoped will further develop and grow the use of the Irish language in my Department.
The new Irish Language Scheme will outline my Department’s responsibilities in promoting the use of the Irish language and will endeavour to promote the Irish Language by a number of means including:
- The provision of guidelines, information leaflets and application forms in bilingual format;
- Some Press Releases being made available bilingually on my Department’s website;
- Any meetings held in Gaeltacht areas or when dealing with Gaeltacht/Irish Language issues being attended by staff proficient in Irish;
- Work continuing towards Irish becoming the working language of my Department’s offices located in Gaeltacht areas.
My Department has been able to meet the demand of customers who wish to conduct their business through the medium of Irish. Some staff were encouraged to improve their Irish language abilities by facilitating their attendance at an Irish language course to obtain a Diploma in Irish Studies. I hope that more Irish language courses can be arranged in the future to help increase the number of staff competent to conduct the business of my Department through Irish and English.
