Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil became the Cúltaca an Airm and that the English language of the title Reserve Defence Forces is used in most publications and statements by him and by his Department, since the change in 2005; and his policy regarding the promotion of the Irish language within the Cúltaca an Airm. [20540/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force was provided for in the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan (RDFRIP), which was launched in 2004. In accordance with the plan, new organisational structures for the Reserve were introduced on 1st October 2005 and An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil was re-titled the Army Reserve (Cúltaca an Airm).

The Defence Organisation is pro-active in the development and promotion of the Irish language. The title "Na hÓglaigh Cúltaca" is used in Irish language versions of publications/statements and "Reserve Defence Force" appears in the English versions of these publications/statements.

The Defence Forces Official Languages Policy in the form of an Administrative Instruction was launched in 2004 and the Defence Forces Scheme (Scéim Óglaigh na hÉireann) 2006-2009 under the Official Languages Act was approved by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in September 2006. The development of the Irish language in the Defence Forces is led by An Chomhairle Gaeilge (Irish Language Council) which is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Scheme.

The use of the Irish language will continue to be promoted within the Defence Forces including Cúltaca an Airm.