Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of regulatory impact assessments produced by his Department since the adoption of the policy by Government; the number of appropriate decisions made by his Department which did not include such assessments; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23904/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware under section 9(1) of the Official Languages Act 2003, I may make regulations in relation to the use of the Irish language, or the Irish and English languages together, on stationary, signage, advertisements and live and pre-recorded oral announcements.

Following the decision by Government in 2005, that Regulatory Impact Assessments should be produced by all Departments, a screening RIA was prepared by my Department in 2006 with respect to draft regulations that I intend to make under section 9(1) in relation to stationary, signage and pre-recorded oral announcements. It was considered that having regard to the content and nature of this regulation a full RIA was not appropriate. The draft regulations have since been published and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas and I intend to make the regulations shortly.

In 2007, a screening RIA was prepared by my Department on the Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007. Having regard to the content and nature of the Bill, a full RIA was not considered appropriate. This Bill was passed in summer 2007. I should add that in 2003, prior to the drafting of the Charities Bill, my Department also prepared a screening RIA to determine the best approach to be taken in respect of regulating the charities sector in Ireland. The Bill is currently at Second Stage in this House.