Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the operation of the Official Languages Act 2003 since it came into force; if he is satisfied with the implementation and effectiveness of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14998/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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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 Official Languages Act 2003.

A total of 50 schemes, which cover a total of 78 public bodies, including my own Department, have now been confirmed by me and published. All 50 schemes are available on the website of An Coimisinéir Teanga, www.coimisineir.ie. In addition, 68 draft schemes covering a total of 126 public bodies are currently in the course of preparation and my Department is currently in discussion with the public bodies concerned in relation to the completion of the process of drafting of these schemes.

All provisions of the Act are now in operation.

On 14 December 2006 both the Dáil and the Seanad approved a draft of Regulations dealing with the use of the Irish and English languages by public bodies in pre-recorded oral announcements, on stationery and on signage. My Department subsequently wrote to all public bodies covered by the Act in order to provide them with an opportunity to comment on the draft Regulations. I expect to be in a position to make the Regulations shortly.

Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla has been established. The Coimisinéir recently published his Annual Report for 2006.

In April 2006, I made Regulations that updated the list of public bodies covered under the Act.

I have made 10 Placenames Orders to date including An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) 2004.

At my request, Foras na Gaeilge has developed an accreditation system for Irish language translators. To date 75 translators have achieved the required standard.

Having regard to the achievements I have just outlined, I am fully satisfied with the progress made to date in the implementation of the Act. I am also satisfied that the public bodies are able to fulfil their obligations under the Act and that they have accepted the challenge with a positive attitude and in the proper spirit. I should remind Deputies that each language scheme prepared by the public bodies under section 11 of the Act has been drawn up in the context of the resources — both in terms of finances and personnel — currently available or to be made available to bodies during the lifetime of each scheme. As I have stated from the beginning, while it will not be possible to achieve everything overnight, my main objective is that improvements in the range and quality of services available through Irish will be achieved over the lifetime of a number of schemes, subject to demand.