I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 149 together.
My Department is currently drafting a revised Language Scheme in accordance with Section 15 of the Official Languages Act 2003 to cover the period 2021-2023. The scheme will concentrate on the provision of services by the Department itself through Irish to the public; for example, Departmental speeches and press releases, public health advice, website content, replies to correspondence received in Irish. It is expected that the revised language scheme will soon be finalised and approved by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the compentent authority responsible for the regulation of medicines and other healthcare products in Ireland. Published guidance is available on the HPRA's website to aid companies looking to develop multilingual packaging.
There are no plans to introduce mandatory bilingual (Irish and English) labelling for medicines or medical devices authorised for use in Ireland.