Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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323. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to consider policy measures, up to and including legislation, to encourage businesses in Ireland to use bilingual packaging for their products as a way to promote and increase visibility of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13036/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 contains a commitment to examine the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of all goods sold in Ireland, as a mechanism to develop the range of areas available in which people can choose Irish as a language of exchange. In this context, Foras na Gaeilge, through its ‘Gnó Means Business’ programme, deliver a wide range of initiatives to support the use of the Irish language in business and economic life, including:

- a funding support scheme focused on small and medium enterprises: Under this scheme, funding of up to €3,000 is available to support the development of signage, stationery, printed marketing material, internet sites and other branding material in the Irish language or bilingually;

- a Business Support Resource Pack: Under this scheme, there are 31 specialist business support resources available free of charge. As part of the support package, there is a choice of self-adhesive signs, badges, leaflets and other support resources to enhance the visibility of Irish in a business environment;

- Bilingual Packaging: A Guide for Best Business Practice is the second in a series of guidance ebooks published by Foras na Gaeilge for the business sector focusing on the principles of bilingualism in signage and packaging. The guidebook aims to recognise best practice in the use of Irish in packaging and to demonstrate to the business community that the language is a valuable resource that can be used to attract consumers to their products. This ebook, which is a joint venture between Foras na Gaeilge and TU Dublin, was launched in 2017 and is available to download from the Foras na Gaeilge website: url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/c2w8CV0Y9HxZ0kuGf2UES3vR?domain=forasnagaeilge.ie/

- Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is a voluntary code and newly-developed quality system for the Business Sector which focuses on giving official recognition to best bilingual practice based on the International Standard ISO 9001:2008. Small and medium sized enterprises throughout the island of Ireland can apply for this award.

My Department also supports GRADAIM, a recognition scheme for businesses either using Irish directly as part of their operations or providing a service through Irish to their customers. The awards are presented to businesses for their efforts in three main categories, namely Signage, Branding and Marketing and Irish Language Customer & Client Service. Over 330 businesses have received recognition under this scheme so far. The scheme is administered by Glór na nGael who are the lead Irish language organization with responsibilities to promote the Irish language in business.

In addition to this, my Department provides funding to organisations such as Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge and Cill Dara le Gaeilge, to support and encourage businesses in the use of Irish.

The law relating to food labelling is the responsibility of the Department of Health and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. I understand that a cross government working group was established back in 2022, under the aegis of the Department of Health, with the aim of discussing the EU Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. My Department has no role in the development of these regulations or the work of the group.