Committee Reports::Annual Report No. 01 - Joint Committee on the Irish Language 1985/86::16 July, 1986::Appendix


	HOME Baile
	COMMITTEE REPORTS Tuasascálacha Coistí

Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 1986 > Committee on the Irish Language > Annual Report No. 01 - Joint Committee on the Irish Language 1985/86

APPENDIX C

Summary of the Recommendations in the Second Report of the Joint Committee on the Irish Language regarding Irish in the Houses of the Oireachtas

1. A room and tape recorder to be provided to enable Members to practice Irish using instructional tapes from the Librarian.

2. Every possible publicity to be given to the activities of Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí among the staff from now on and every opportunity to be given to them to participate fully in those activities.

3. Signs in Irish to be provided in the Houses immediately.

4. Special signs to be placed in the reception areas at the gates and in Leinster House — pointing out that business may be conducted through Irish there and that Irish is welcome.

5. That the appropriate authorities investigate quickly whether an Irish development committee could be established and a responsible officer appointed — as has happened in the case of Government Departments in accordance with the Action Plan for Irish 1983-1986.

6. That every person who has Irish should wear An Fáinne Nua regularly.

7. That the Committee on Procedure and Privileges examine the difficulties with the bad sound-system in the Dáil.

8. That every Member who has Irish should put down at least one question in Irish every week beginning in the first week of June 1986. Between then and the Summer recess at least one question in Irish should be taken every day when Question Time is held in the Dáil. After the Summer recess two questions, at least, should be taken in Irish every day.

9. That Members be permitted to enter an additional question into the daily lottery for questions on the basis that such question be in Irish.

10. That one priority question be taken in Irish every day Question Time is held in the Dáil from the beginning of June 1986. Two or more could be taken every day after the Summer recess.

11. That one question be put to the Taoiseach in Irish every day that he is answering questions in the Dáil from the beginning of June 1986.

12. That the Government and opposition Parties implement the recommendations relating to speeches contained in the Action Plan for Irish 1983-1986 as soon as possible.

13. That basic reference books be provided in the offices of Members before the end of 1987 at the latest.

14. That a revised version of the bi-lingual handbook containing phrases used regularly in the Houses be provided before the return of the Members in the Autumn at the latest.

15. The number of translators needs greatly to be increased and the Authorities of the Houses should seek permission immediately from the Department of the Public Service to employ the additional translators required. The number of additional translators required could be determined by an early survey to be carried out in conjunction with officials from the Management Services Division of the Department of the Public Service. At the latest, it would be expected that the additional translators would be employed before the end of the current year.

16. In order to help the Members of both Houses in the preparation of speeches, etc., limited assistance at least should be available to them from the Translation Section. It would be expected that this service — on a trial basis initially, if necessary, should be available from 1 January 1987.

17. The following improvements in the interpretation system in the Dáil are urgently needed:

(a) a sound-proof room to be available henceforth for interpreters;

(b) alternative headphones to be provided (if such are available); and

18. In view of the fact that major works will be carried out in the Seanad in the near future the Joint Committee feels that it would be appropriate to instal an effective translation system as part of those works. That system should be installed and working before the end of 1987.

19. Chairpersons of Oireachtas Committees should encourage their Members to use a little Irish, at least, on a regular basis in their proceedings.

20. That a suitable interpretation system be installed in at least one of the rooms provided for meetings of Committees before the end of 1987 at the latest.

21. That appropriate guidance and training be provided henceforth for officers who are dealing with interpretation as is available in other Parliaments.

22. That the appropriate authorities in the Houses seek consultation with the Department of the Public Service immediately to obtain a resolution of the difficulties associated with reporting.

23. An open competition to recruit audio-typists to be held as soon as possible.

24. That increased allowances be granted in order to alleviate any disadvantages associated with transcripts in Irish.

25. That Irish be included in the criteria used when purchasing machines such as typewriters from now on.