Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

People are speaking to each other in this regard, and the Commissioner has engaged with my Department, and obviously has taken on board recommendations from An Coimisinéir Teanga and from the Minister with responsibility for this area. On that basis, and acknowledging that there are issues that need to be addressed here, the new Irish language strategy has been developed by An Garda Síochána, and I am advised by the Garda authorities that this is due to be launched in the coming weeks. The overall aim of the strategy is to try to strengthen Irish language services within An Garda Síochána to try to ensure compliance with the statutory language obligations that exist. The first online resource by Gaelchultúr and the new fáinne Gaeilge from An Garda Síochána will also be launched alongside strategy. It is important that we do not prevent anybody from progressing and improving his or her standing within An Garda Síochána because he or she does not have the general proficiency in the Irish language.

We need to ensure we encourage more engagement and have more people who are proficient in the Irish language. That in itself will make a significant difference overall.

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