Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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62. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the steps being taken to promote the use of Irish in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14177/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department is committed to providing a quality customer service in both Irish and English. To this end a range of forms, leaflets and other documents is available in both Irish and English on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie.

Where customers correspond with us in Irish, they are replied to in Irish.However, due to the large number of Departmental offices nationwide, it is not possible to have staff members (with sufficient fluency to deal with a customer through the medium of Irish) available at all times in every location. When this occurs, the procedure is that the customer be offered an appointment with a staff member who can deal with them through Irish. Alternatively an interpretive service, which is provided by means of a three way phone conversation, can be made available.

The Department is also committed to the continued development and training of staff to facilitate the provision of services through Irish. A range of supports is available to equip frontline staff with the necessary skills and confidence to deliver a quality customer service in Irish by phone, letter and in person. Supports available include funding for attendance at Irish language training courses; training resources such as language discs and books available; and funding through the Department’s Refund of Fees scheme, to encourage staff to pursue Irish Language education outside of work hours.

The Department of Social Protection’s Language Scheme 2015 – 2018, as required under the Official Languages Act 2003, is now in place. This Scheme has been developed within the policy context of the Government's '20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030' and has been informed by submissions received from our customers and staff. The objective of the Scheme is to maintain and enhance the level of quality service through Irish available to our customers.