Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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294. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangements put in place by his Department to ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act, specifically requirements for signage in departmental offices, schools, third level institutions; details of any assessments undertaken by departmental staff to assess requirements; the number of signs assessed; when any corrective actions were put in place; if any or all of the actions taken by his Department were within the designated timeframes set out in legislation, and if not the reasoning for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40551/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In response to the question from the Deputy, my Department has signage in all its buildings in both the Irish and English language. This applies to both internal and external signs. The signage was in place within the designated timeframe set out in legislation.

The Office of Public Works is currently overseeing a survey of signage in OPW offices and heritage sites providing guided tours to the public to establish whether it is fully in compliance with S.I. No. 391 of 2008. A database of photographs of signs in our offices is being examined centrally to establish compliance and to address any areas of non-compliance. The OPW is also finalising a comprehensive Standards and Policies Guide to sustainable building design which will include standards on signage which will be cognisant of the requirements of the Official Languages Act.

There are no schools or third level institutions within the remit of my Department.