Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 463: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of translating all State documents into Irish; the cost of printing same; if a proposal for storing these electronically and printing as required has been investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43413/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003 and the principles of Quality Customer Service, my Department is committed to providing quality services in Irish and/or bilingually to its customers.

The Department produces a broad range of documents across each of its policy areas. For the purposes of this reply, 'State documents' are being interpreted as core corporate documents, statements of policy and strategy documents, and do not include leaflets, application forms, posters and similar publications.

As set out in the Department's Irish Language Scheme 2009-2012, the Department undertakes to provide bilingual versions of these core publications preferably in the one cover (either hardcopy or electronic publications). However, where the length of any bilingual publication would reduce its effectiveness or involve excessive additional cost, separate Irish and English language versions are provided. It is not the intention of the Department to translate large documents which are of a technical nature or have a small circulation.

The Department has made a significant investment in the preparation, design and maintenance of both the English and Irish Language versions of its core website (www.environ.ie). A dedicated 'Publications' area has been designed where electronic copies of all publications, in both languages, are hosted and available for the public to download. In line with the Department's environmental policies, every effort is made to limit where feasible the use of paper and printing, and increasing amounts of the Department's publications are now only printed on demand. Overall, the Department is committed to monitoring and gauging the level of demand for its services in the Irish Language by carrying out annual audits of its Scheme and a review of measures undertaken.

The total cost of translating the 26 'State documents' as described above since 2008 has amounted to €39,299. Eight of these documents have been printed at a total cost of €28,348. In the case of printing costs, these may include costs associated with printing in the English as well as the Irish language.