Irish Language Scheme

Irish Language Scheme (720 KB PDF)

Introduction and Background

This scheme was prepared by Teagasc pursuant to Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003 (the Act). Section 11 provides for the preparation by public bodies of a statutory Scheme detailing the services they will provide

through the medium of Irish
through the medium of English, and
through the medium of Irish and English

and the measures to be adopted to ensure that any service not provided by the body through the medium of the Irish language will be so provided within an agreed timeframe.

Guidelines for preparation of a scheme

This Scheme has been drawn up in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. These guidelines were prepared in conjunction with an Inter-Departmental Working Group which included representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Teagasc published an advertisement in the national papers on 19 March 2007 inviting submissions in relation to the preparation of the draft Scheme from interested parties. A small number of submissions were received and are available on the Teagasc website www.teagasc.ie. Formulation of the Scheme has been informed by these submissions and also by views put forward by members of staff in Teagasc.

The content of the Language Scheme

A Teagasc Working Group comprising representatives from each Directorate operating within Teagasc has assisted in drafting the Scheme.

The Management Committee of Teagasc will keep the effective operation of the Scheme under review.

The Scheme includes a commitment to assess on an ongoing basis the level of demand for services through Irish and to ensure that Teagasc strives to meet this demand in a realistic, planned, coherent and accessible way.

Commencement of Scheme

This Scheme has been confirmed by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The Scheme will commence with effect from 1st January 2008 and shall remain in force for a period of 3 years from this date, or until a new Scheme has been confirmed by the Minister pursuant to Section 15 of the Act, whichever is the earlier.