Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 49: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the budget for the Language Commissioner for 2005 is almost double that for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22596/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla was established in 2004 under the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. An initial sum of €500,000 was provided in the Vote of my Department for 2004 for this purpose. Mr. Seán Ó Cuirreáin was appointed to the position of An Coimisinéir Teanga in February 2004 and the remaining staff of his office were appointed during the course of last year. Clearly, therefore, 2005 is the first full operational year of the office and the budget for this year, including the full year staffing costs, reflects that fact.