Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The fact is that currently VECs are public bodies and in future, the ETBs will be public bodies. As a consequence, they fall within the terms of the Official Languages Act 2003, which is statutory legislation as distinct from a policy strategy, which is what the 20-year strategy for the Irish language is. I take on board the Deputy's point that a policy strategy is different to legislation. I am advised that as a consequence of the ETBs being public bodies which fall under the terms of the Official Languages Act 2003, the Deputy's concerns are covered. However, if the Deputy wishes to resubmit the amendment on Report State, I can obtain further clarification in the interim.