Committee on Investigations, Oversight and Petitions to advance An Coimisinéir Teanga's concerns

His office performs its main statutory functions by operating as an independent ombudsman’s office, as a compliance agency and as advisory body with regard to statutory language rights and duties.  

Cathaoirleach of the Committee, Peadar Tóibín TD, said: “With the launch of An Coimisinéir Teanga’s annual report last week, this was a timely opportunity for our Committee to explore the work of Mr Ó Cuirreáin’s office. We thank Mr Ó Cuirreáin for a wide-ranging and candid address, which was followed by a detailed and engaging  exchange with Members on protecting and developing  the Irish language in Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht areas.

“A number of reports which were laid by An Coimisinéir Teanga before the Houses last year were critical of state bodies not implementing fundamental elements of the Official Languages Act 2003. These included the Health Services Executive, the National Museum of Ireland and the Department of Social Protection.

“The Committee heard that these public bodies had failed to implement recommendations contained in a report on an investigation that An Coimisinéir Teanga  had undertaken. Having considered Mr Ó Cuirreáin’s persuasive arguments, Members agreed to invite the Secretaries General of the relevant Government Departments before the Committee.

 “We look forward to engaging with the Secretaries General of the Departments of Social Protection; Health; and Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on their plans to resolve the issues outlined by Mr Ó Cuirreáin. The Committee will also raise the matter with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan TD.

“Committee Members agreed a motion to support the continued independent functions of the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga, as it continues its work in ensuring that Irish language rights are protected.”

Editor’s note: In accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003, An Coimisinéir Teanga, can lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas if he is of the opinion that a public body did not implement any part of the recommendations contained in a report on an investigation he had undertaken. The relevant reports of An Coimisinéir Teanga discussed at the meeting are accessible via: http://www.coimisineir.ie/

For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership
Membership
Dara Calleary, TD
Joan Collins, TD
Michael Conaghan, TD
Alan Farrell, TD
Charles Flanagan, TD
Michael Healy-Rae, TD
Peter Matthews, TD
Michael McCarthy, TD
Charlie McConalogue, TD
Michelle Mulherin, TD
Derek Nolan, TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD
John Paul Phelan, TD
Peadar Tóibín, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Trevor Ó Clochartaigh,
Jimmy Harte,
Tony Mulcahy,
Darragh O’Brien,
Susan O Keeffe