Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
1024. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if all forms issued by his Department and agencies under his remit are available in both the Irish and English languages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21923/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for health services from the public are dealt with by the HSE or other health agencies under the remit of my Department rather than the Department itself and therefore, forms are generally not a feature of the Department’s work. However, the Department is committed to providing public health advice and guidance in both Irish and English in accordance with its obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003.
This commitment is evidenced during the Covid-19 pandemic, where due to the extreme urgency brought about by the unforeseen circumstances, it was necessary to communicate public health advice to every household in Ireland. Four million copies of the Covid-19 public information booklet were distributed via mail drops and/or newspaper inserts, two million of which were issued in Irish and two million in English. Public health information in relation to Covid-19 and other health matters continues to be issued by means of daily press releases, which are published in both the Irish and English languages.
My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the forms that it issues in Irish. The information relating to the Non-Commercial State Agencies under the remit of my Department is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy by separate cover.
