John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 1465: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent on advertising in the Irish language by his Department and by agencies under the aegis of his Department since the enactment of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30393/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003 and the implementation of the Department's Irish language Scheme prepared under the Act, my Department is committed to providing quality services in Irish and/or bilingually to its customers. While regulations in relation to advertising under the Official Languages Act have yet to be finalised, staff are encouraged to advertise, where practical, in both official languages, particularly where the issue concerned is of general public interest.

Our records do not generally distinguish between the cost of advertising in Irish, English or bilingually. The detailed information sought in the question is therefore not readily available in its entirety and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. Those records that are readily available show that some €152,000 was spent by my Department on Irish and bilingual advertising during the period in question.

My Department does not compile or hold information in relation to amounts spent on advertising in the Irish language by agencies under its aegis.