I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 39, 41 and 43 together.
At the outset, I should remind the Deputies that my Department is charged with implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 in collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders, including agencies directly funded by my Department. In that context, Foras na Gaeilge, an agency of the North/South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, has a key statutory role in provision of resources and supports for the Irish language on an all-island basis.
In regard to the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of goods, I am pleased to say that Foras na Gaeilge is currently compiling an e-book on best practice in bilingual packaging. The recommendations in this e-book - ‘Pacáistíocht Bia agus Dátheangachas: Taighde ar Fhéidearachtaí’ - are based on research commissioned by Foras na Gaeilge and carried out by the Dublin Institute of Technology. The e-book is aimed primarily at private sector companies and will demonstrate how bilingual packaging can be used to a competitive advantage. It is envisaged that the e-book will be available by the end of the year.
In regard to initiatives to encourage young writers in Irish, Foras na Gaeilge funds a range of schemes and provides advice and assistance to young writers/script writers through the funding of workshops, the Irish Writers Centre, drama companies and arts centres. For example, the Blogging Scheme or Scéim Blagála, provides transition-year students with the opportunity to read an Irish language book and blog about it, giving rise to lively debates between young people in different geographical regions. This scheme is organised in various Gaeltacht regions under the auspices of Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne. Another example is the Scríobh Leabhar project, which provides an opportunity for children to write their own books through Irish and some of these have been published online. This project is run in conjunction with the Áisaonad in Northern Ireland and with Education Centres in this jurisdiction.
In regard to the provision of an Irish language venue, including a bookshop, I should point out that Conradh na Gaeilge, which is funded by Foras na Gaeilge, runs the ‘Siopa Leabhar’ on Harcourt Street. The venue also provides Irish language resources for teachers, learners and the general public in the same building.
In regard to the development of an online stock and order management system for Irish books and other media, 1980 Bord na Gaeilge established An Áisíneacht Dáiliúchán Leabhar, better known as ÁIS, to distribute Irish-language books on a wholesale basis, both nationally and internationally. Following completion of a recent review on the operations of ÁIS, major initiatives are underway to improve the service. These include development of a new web-based information service, in conjunction with Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge, which will be available on the URL ‘www.leabhar.ie’. That service will include a trade-end online ordering facility and a facility for publishers to view sales figures. I understand that preparatory work began on this initiative in late 2012 and that the target date for project completion is October 2013.
