Written answers

Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Irish Language

Photo of Peter MathewsPeter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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579. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position in respect of the Irish language derogation; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an extra 200 positions could be created if the Irish language derogation regarding the use of Irish in the EU were to cease at the end of 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44147/14]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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As already advised to the House, a decision on whether or not to extend the derogation for the use of Irish in the EU institutions for a further period of time is required by December 2015 at the latest.

In that context, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of An Taoiseach, continues to be actively engaged with the EU institutions in order to formulate specific proposals on the optimal approach to the derogation. Clearly, the outcome of that engagement will inform the proposals that will be brought to Government in due course, prior to a final decision being taken on this matter.

I am very aware of the potential employment opportunities in the EU institutions that may become available to suitably qualified Irish speakers. With this in mind, as part of the Government’s strategy to ensure that there is sufficient take-up of the jobs available and that a sufficient number of qualified personnel are available to meet the needs of the EU institutions, my Department continues to provide substantial funding for a range of specialised third-level courses and for the development of Irish language terminology for the EU terminology database, InterActive Terminology for Europe (IATE).

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