Written answers

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Irish Language Issues

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made with the review of the Official Languages Act; when legislation will be published on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38468/13]

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously stated in my reply to Dáil Question No. 376 on 18 July 2013, the Government's Legislation Programme indicates that it is intended to publish the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2013 this year. Preparatory work in this regard is currently underway in my Department with a view to bringing the draft Heads of Bill to Government as soon as possible. The Bill will provide for amendments to the Official Languages Act 2003 arising from the review of that Act, as set out in the Programme for Government, and arising from the decision to amalgamate the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga with the Office of the Ombudsman, as set out in the Government's Public Service Reform Plan .

It is my intention to publish the outcome of the public consultation process that was undertaken as part of the review of the Official Languages Act in due course together with the Heads of the Bill. As has been previously indicated, some 1400 survey responses and 262 submissions were received during the public consultation process.

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