Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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906. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to promote the use of Irish in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14169/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Under my Department's Irish Language Scheme 2012-2015, a range of measures are in place with regard to the provision of services through Irish. These measures include the promotion of Irish within the Department. My Department is currently undertaking a public consultation process in relation to its next language scheme and interested parties are encouraged to forward submissions by 6 May.

My Department is committed to promoting and encouraging the use of Irish among staff in the carrying out of our day-to-day internal functions and supports staff wishing to communicate more effectively in Irish through the provision of Irish language training. This ranges from beginner level training to academic third-level courses which are supported under my Department's Refund of Academic Fees Scheme. It also includes supporting staff to undertake the Certificate in Professional Irish courses which specifically aim to help public sector employees communicate more effectively in Irish. My Department routinely issues all office notices bilingually and promotes a strong culture of bilingualism amongst senior management in particular.