Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
185. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department facilitate persons seeking to access their services through the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33402/23]
View answerThe Department of Transport is committed to providing access to its services in Irish.
The Department of Transport provides several services directly to the public, including the collection of motor tax and the processing of applications for, and granting of, road transport operator licences.
Anyone who wishes to avail of the department's services through Irish can do so. Our websites are in both Irish and English, including www.motortax.ie / www.motarchain.ie, and www.rtol.ie / www.rtol.ie/rtol-online/?lang=ie. In addition, the department provides physical hard copies of forms in Irish and provides on-going phone and written customer service support in Irish.
The department also published simultaneously in both Irish and English its annual reports, Statement of Strategy and other publications in accordance with our Irish Language Scheme and our Customer Service Charter. To date in 2023, the department has, for example, published in Irish and English information on the Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver Statistics 2021, the notice published under section 39A Railway Order of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for proposed railway works Dart+ SouthWest, and the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy: Executive Summary 2022-2025 and its supporting Infrastructure Strategy and Implementation Plan.
The department also works to ensure that its social media content includes material in the Irish language. In line with the advertising obligations which commenced at the start of this year, the department is also actively working to ensure that consideration is given to the Irish Language including advertising and social media content, and to explore whether opportunities exist for further delivery of bilingual communications.
With respect to the agencies under the aegis of the department, I have referred your question to the agencies for a direct reply. Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
