Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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131. To ask the Taoiseach the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through the Irish language. [21911/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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132. To ask the Taoiseach if all forms issued by his Department and agencies under his remit are available in both the Irish and English languages. [21929/21]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

My Department's Language Scheme 2019-2022 under the Official Languages Act 2003, which is available on gov.ie, contains a range of service commitments designed to ensure that any customers of the Department of the Taoiseach who wish to conduct their business through Irish can do so. This includes services by phone or in person and the publication of any forms or information leaflets in both languages.

In keeping with the spirit of the Official Languages Act 2003, my Department is committed to developing and maintaining a culture that encourages the use of Irish both within the Department and with our customers. This includes employing an adequate cohort of staff with sufficient proficiency to meet service levels and providing opportunities to help staff improve their knowledge and usage levels.

The National Economic and Social Development Office, the only body under the aegis of my Department, maintains the same level of commitment and service levels as my Department to facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through the Irish language.