Irish Language Committee to discuss provision of Irish language services in the Civil Service

Chairperson of the Committee Catherine Connolly TD: “There is a clear shortage of fluent Irish speakers throughout Government departments and other Government offices who can engage with the public in the first official language. The reasons for this need to be addressed which includes increasing the number of civil servants who are proficient in and eager to work in both official languages, increasing the level and efficiency of training and ensuring that the same facilities are in place, in terms of computer technology, communications systems, interactions and record keeping.

“Gaelchultúr was established in 2004. It provides Irish language courses and learning resources. Since 2005, it has provided specialised Irish language training to public sector bodies to help them fulfil their obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. Most of the company’s training is aimed at front-line staff who are in regular contact with the public and the aim of the courses is to enable those staff members to provide customer service through Irish. Gaelchultúr has developed courses for staff members who want to reach a high level of competency in Irish and who wish to work with the public in both official languages.

“We hope that our meeting tomorrow will help us to identify what needs to be done and how it needs to be done if the Civil Service is to fully and positively comply with the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 and satisfy the growing demand for a truly bi-lingual service.”

This meeting will take place in Committee Room 4 at 5pm tomorrow, Tuesday, 21 February 2017.

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

ENDS