Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am taking amendments Nos. 27, 31, 40, 42, 45 and 50 together. They relate to the use by the commission of the Irish language in its communications and the use of the Irish names of constituencies in electoral events generally. I am satisfied that current electoral events are carried out with equal emphasis on each of the State’s official languages.

It is current practice that the signage, literature and ballot papers used at electoral events are produced bilingually and are given equal prominence. Where polling places are located in Gaeltacht areas, signage is displayed in the Irish language only. The Referendum Commission has a strong commitment to the use of the Irish language. Its current policy, as set out in its language scheme 2021 to 2024, provides that information material delivered nationwide to the electorate is published in each of the official languages simultaneously; all information published on the commission's website is produced in each of the official languages; all Referendum Commission broadcasts on radio and television are produced in each of the official languages; the Referendum Commission's report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is published in each of the official languages simultaneously; a spokesperson for the commission will be available to the media to provide an Irish service if advance notice is provided; and its website is fully bilingual. I am satisfied that this sets a strong template for the electoral commission's referendum and public engagement functions.

I would also point out that the constituency commission report in recent times has included the names of recommended constituencies in the Irish language. Again, I see no reason this will not be followed on by the electoral commission. On that basis, I do not propose to accept the amendments. I would stress again that the electoral commission will be bound by the provisions of the Official Languages Act. I thank the Deputy for tabling these amendments.