Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 6

Written Answers. - State Services through Irish.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

275 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the specific measures, if any, she has introduced since coming into office to ensure that the Civil Service and public authorities are better equipped to provide service through the medium of the Irish language for all who wish to use this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8991/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 503 of 23 March 1999.

I am convinced that real and tangible progress in relation to improving the availability of State services through Irish will be made only by the enactment in the first instance of a language Bill. Work on the preparation of such a Bill is progressing with a view to publishing it in late 1999/early 2000.