Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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220. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is implementing a plain English policy, as outlined by the National Adult Literacy Agency, in his Department's communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7279/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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My Department has been pro-active in promoting the use of plain language to improve engagement and communications with customers (citizens and businesses), as part of the process to improve customer service delivery advocated under the Public Service Reform Plan. Training was provided by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) to Department staff in May 2013. NALA has developed a range of tools to assist Departments in improving their performance and these are available to all staff via the Intranet.

The Department is currently redeveloping its website and is using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that the content on the new site will be written as far as possible in clear and simple language. Staff responsible for writing, editing and managing the new website have been specifically trained to use clear and simple language. The intention is to have the new website up and running by mid year.

In addition, it is worth noting that the recent National Broadband Plan Mapping documentation that was put on the Department's existing website was certified by NALA as having met all of their requirements.