Lost in translation

Still waiting for an answer from the Gaeliban aka Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O'Cuív. After responding to my article in the Gazette I asked for the cost of translating the speech they sent me.

The Official Languages Act, which provides a "statutory framework for the delivery of services through the Irish language" was signed into Irish law in 2003.

In the six years since it was introduced, the state and local authorities have spent €6m producing translated documents. The figure is increasing every year. In 2008 the cost was €1.8m.

2009/11/24 Kieran Dennison

Dear Ms. de Brúch,

Thank you for forwarding Minister Ó Cuív's speech in both languages. I wonder if I might enquire as to the cost of translating this speech please.

Le dea-mhéin,

Kieran.

_________________________________________________________

2009/11/26 Ó Laoi, Seosamh

Dear Councillor Dennison,

I refer to your query to in relation to the cost of translating Minister Ó Cuív's speech to the Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

I can confirm that there was no direct cost involved in the translation of the speech.

Is mise, le meas,

Seosamh Ó Laoi
Oifig an Aire

_______________________________________________________

2009/11/26 Kieran Dennison

Dear Mr. Ó Laoi,

Thank you for contacting me in this regard.

My question was in relation to the cost of translating the speech, irregardless as to wheather it was direct or indirect. I assumed it would be a relatively simple task to cost the time in translating and checking the speech by persons in your department.

Is mise,

Kieran Dennison