Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend the number of professionals who are available to serve the Irish language speaking and gaeltacht communities. [18835/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase support for the public service to develop the capacity to provide comprehensive services through the medium of the Irish language. [18834/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions No. 10 and 33 together.

Foras na Gaeilge has a statutory responsibility for providing advice and assistance to public bodies with regard to the delivery of services through Irish. In that context, my Department is continuing to work with Foras na Gaeilge and other interested parties in relation to putting in place resources to enhance the capacity of the public service to provide services through Irish. These include:

Development of a Quality Assurance System for Translators

Foras na Gaeilge has, at my request, developed an accreditation system for Irish language translators. To date 98 translators have achieved the required standard. The system is a significant resource for public bodies in their implementation of the Official Languages Act. In addition, support is offered to assist translators in achieving the standard required for accreditation. The accreditation system will be a continuous process and will involve examination of translators at regular intervals on an ongoing basis.

Establishment of Dedicated Fund for 3rd level courses

In 2006 I established a dedicated fund for advanced Irish language third level courses to help increase the number of professionals with particular skills in the context of the requirements arising from the Official Languages Act 2003 and from the status accorded to Irish as an official and working language of the EU. Courses being funded under this initiative include courses in the area of translation and interpretation. A number of courses have already commenced and it is hoped that further courses can be rolled out during 2008. Funding has also been provided to enable a number students with fluency in the Irish language attend a dedicated course for interpreters at the University of Westminster.

Development of Irish Language Translation Memory Resource

During 2007, my Department, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, began the process of developing, on a phased basis, a Translation Memory resource for the Irish language. Translation Memory is based on the reuse of already translated material in order to save time and money. The intention is that this resource will become available during 2008. When developed, this will be a very practical and important resource that will facilitate public bodies in complying with their obligations under the Official Languages Act in a more effective manner by reducing the costs associated with translation to the Irish language.

Other Resources in Place

A number of additional resources and supports have also been made available for public bodies to aid them in developing the range and quality of services they provide through the Irish language. These include a testing and certification system for adult learners of Irish developed by the Language Centre, NUI Maynooth, which involves the awarding of qualifications with Europe-wide recognition, as well as a glossary of signage and other terms established by Foras na Gaeilge on its website www.gaeilge.ie which continues to be developed and expanded. In addition, during 2007, I provided a research grant, from my Department's Ciste na Gaeilge, to Fiontar, Dublin City University, to assist in the development of a database of EU and legal terminology in the Irish language. In addition, The Honourable Society of King's Inns, with financial assistance from my Department, provided an intensive Irish language course in 2007 to assist candidates for positions as Lawyer Linguists in the EU Institutions to reach the necessary standard. The intensive course will be provided again this year and the Society has indicated that it intends to provide the three year Barrister-at-Law course through Irish as from the 2009/2010 academic year.