Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Irish language schemes approved by him since 8 February 2006 under the Official Languages Act 2003; the number of schemes commenced under the Act since that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10815/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 112 of 8 February 2006 in which I indicated that a total of 22 language schemes prepared by public bodies have been confirmed by me and published and that my Department was in discussion with in excess of 70 additional public bodies about completion or commencement of the process of drafting a scheme. In this context, public bodies have a period of six months to prepare and submit draft language schemes to me for confirmation. My Department officials have then to examine the draft schemes and in many instances this requires further discussion or clarification with public bodies before schemes are forwarded to me for final confirmation.

Although the number of schemes approved are small, they include agencies and Departments either with a strategic importance nationally, a large customer base nationally or a functional area with a Gaeltacht in it with a large customer base.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consultations his Department has had with the Garda Commissioner and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the requirement for Irish language training for recruits to the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10807/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 139 of 8 February 2006 in which I indicated that an interdepartmental working group had been established to recommend an appropriate approach to Irish language training for recruits to the Garda Síochána. The group was established in the context of a review of the requirements for recruitment to the force, which was carried out to ensure opportunities for recruitment for representatives of communities newly established in Ireland in recent years.

There are ongoing discussions between my Department, the Garda authorities and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in that regard. I understand that details of the revised Irish language training arrangements for recruit gardaí will be announced in due course by the Garda Commissioner.