Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department has an operating language scheme in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003; and the date when such a scheme was introduced. [15491/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that the Department of Finance has an operating language scheme in accordance with Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003.

The Department updated its Language Scheme, for the periods 2018 - 2021. This was implemented 28th February 2018.

The Department supports staff in improving their standard of Irish through the provision of courses in Gaelchultúr. The staff are informed of the courses through OneLearning and induction training. At present four (4) staff members are attending a course in Gaelchultúr. Eleven (11) of the staff members have completed courses in Gaelchultúr. The Department encourages the study of the Irish language, to assist staff in providing a quality service with confidence.

There is no obligation on staff in the Department of Finance to provide services through the medium of Irish unless a request is received through Irish. However, the Department has created a panel of Irish speaking staff to provide this service when it is being sought. Five (5) people have offered their services to provide this service.