Public to be able to interact in Irish at same level as English in court
The first ever Irish language strategy for the Courts Services has now been published - with 44 actions across six priorities providing a clear sense of direction for the development of the Irish language in the organisation.
Dónal Ó Gallachóir, Courts Service Irish Language Strategy Manager (Bainisteoir Straitéise Gaeilge), said of the new strategy: 'The goal is that the public will experience an active bilingual offering without delay or difficulty.
'We also aim that staff use of the first national language is actively welcomed and encouraged.'
It's the Courts Services' ambition to develop a centralised Irish Language Office, improve quality and availability of an Irish language service and bring about parity between English and Irish in all service provision in the Courts Service.
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The service will work to actively recruit those with Irish Language skills, alongside the development of a comprehensive tailored Irish language training programme.
A framework for providing Irish language service to the public online, in person and on the phone is also to be developed.
The Courts Service will also investigate methods of providing a guarantee of availability of Irish language court interpreters for all hearings where required.
It will also provide additional support and conduct continuous workforce analysis and planning to ensure Gaeltacht venues can always operate fully in Irish.
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