22 Mar 2013, 11:54
The first language scheme of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service has been approved by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The Scheme contains various commitments and provisions intended to enhance the availability of Irish language services for the public.
As regards general means of communication with the public, the Houses of the Oireachtas Service has undertaken to initiate correspondence in Irish with persons or bodies known to prefer Irish language correspondence and has undertaken to actively inform the public that correspondence in Irish is welcomed. It is also stated that any interactive services which may become available in the future will be introduced simultaneously in both official languages.
A commitment has been given in the Scheme that the general policy of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service will be to make any new information booklets, application forms and posters intended for the general public available bilingually and that the Irish language content of the website will be gradually increased.
In addition, staff will be encouraged and supported to learn the Irish language or to improve their Irish language skills.
Visitors to Leinster House will be expressly informed when arranging tours of the House that these can be conducted in English or in Irish or bilingually and the Houses of the Oireachtas Service will endeavour to organise activities through Irish for Culture Night.
Ends /
Further Information:
Verona Ni Bhroinn
087 2624132