Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 85: To ask the Minister for Defence the Irish language initiatives that have been undertaken in the Defence Forces since 1 January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9183/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Defence Forces have continued to implement the initiatives of the Defence Forces' Language Scheme 2006 – 2009, under Section 11 of the Official Languages Act, 2003. The 2006 – 2009 scheme was audited by An Coimisineár Teanga and the Defence Forces are currently in correspondence with An Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaelteacha in the development of a new scheme. The following are the initiatives taken since 1 January 2009:

1. The Defence Forces ran its annual Campa Gaeilge in An Cheathrú Rua, Galway from the 24th to 29th May 2009. The camp was conducted under the aegis of Acadamh na Gaeilge, National University of Ireland, Galway and was attended by over sixty personnel.

2. The Defence Forces Comhairle na Gaeilge select a number of personnel annually to undergo a Diploma in 'Cruinn Scríobh agus Labhairt na Gaeilge'. The diploma is conducted under the aegis of Acadamh na Gaeilge, NUI, Galway. In 2009, two students participated in this course.

3. Five Defence Forces students attended the Government sponsored Cúrsa Gaeleagrais in 2009. The students attended the Gaeleagras course in Connemara and Baile an Fheirtearaigh, Co. Chiarraí.

4. One student completed a Masters programme in Scríobh agus Cumarsáid na Gaeilge in University College Dublin.

5. Four students underwent an intensive course in 'Cruinn Scríobh an Phraesráitis' conducted in association with Conradh na Gaeilge.