asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether or not in accordance with Bord na Gaeilge's action plan for Irish 1983-86: (1) a responsible officer has been appointed within his Department; (2) whether an Irish Development Committee has been established; and (3) the stage of preparation the action programme for Irish has reached within his Department.
Written Answers. - Action Plan for Irish.
120.
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows: (1) An assistant principal officer has been given responsibility for co-ordinating Irish policy in accordance with the action plan. (2) An Irish Development Committee has been established and meets at regular intervals. (3) Special efforts are being made to improve the services available to members of the public who wish to transact their business through the medium of Irish. Following the recent completion of a survey of signs and notices in the Department's employment exchanges and public offices the task of providing Irish or bilingual signs has already commenced. Notices will be displayed in public offices drawing the attention of the public to officials with whom they can transact their business through Irish. In addition Irish versions of the main forms are being made available and work is proceeding in the preparation of the Irish version of newly introduced forms. Finally the Irish Development Committee is at present examining the opportunities which exist for promoting the Irish language through social and cultural activities in the Department in the coming year.