Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the cost to his Department, in each year since its introduction, of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3408/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Since the implementation of the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 relating to the translation of publications the following are the costs incurred by my Department: 2007 — €181,322.31; 2008 — €156,060.40.

Prior to 2007 the amount spent on the Irish translation of publications was not separately identified and accordingly my Department is unable to provide this information.

There may be additional costs that have been incurred by various sections of my Department with regard to implementing the provisions of the Act. These costs have been from within existing allocations and are not readily identifiable.

In addition, Section 31 of the Education Act 1998 obliges the Minister to establish a body to provide supports to schools for the teaching and learning of Irish and through Irish. Accordingly, my Department provides a range of services and supports through Irish.