Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the implementation to date in 2006 of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4437/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I draw the Deputy's attention to my inaugural report on the implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003 for the period July 2003-31 December 2004, which has been laid before each House of the Oireachtas. As set out in that report and as I have outlined on a number of occasions in this House, considerable progress has been made to date in the implementation, on a phased basis, of the provisions of the Act.

To date, a total of 22 language schemes prepared by public bodies have been confirmed by me and published. My Department is in discussion with in excess of 70 additional public bodies in relation to completion or commencement of the process of drafting a scheme.

Most of the provisions of the Act have been commenced and, as provided for in section 1 of the Act, the remaining provisions will commence automatically in July next, if not brought into operation by order sooner.