Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Taoiseach the amount of funding spent in 2009 and to date in 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35317/10]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In 2009 eight staff members attended in-house Irish language classes which were organised by my Department. In 2010 six staff members attended these classes. As all of these classes were provided by Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí, there was no cost to my Department. In 2009 two staff members attended Gaeltacht courses organised by Gaeleagras, and a scholarship of €125 each was paid by my Department. The provision of Irish language classes for staff arises from our commitment to providing a high quality of service to our customers, and to fulfilling the requirements of the Official Languages Act. We are fully committed to improving the service we provide in Irish and to developing, on an ongoing basis, a positive culture that encourages the use of Irish both within the Department and with our customers. Provision of these classes for staff helps us to meet these goals.