Powers of An Coimisinéir Teanga
The following are the powers of An Coimisinéir Teanga as specified in Sections 22 - 30 of the Official Languages Act:
- An Coimisinéir Teanga has the power to obtain written or oral information from public bodies in order to enable him or her to fulfil the duties of his or her office.
- An Coimisinéir Teanga may compel a person to attend before him or her for that purpose and the person must comply with that requirement. The person is entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he or she were a witness before the High Court.
- A fine not exceeding €2,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months may be imposed on a person convicted in court of refusing or failing to cooperate with An Coimisinéir Teanga or of obstructing his or her work.
- If a public body refuses or fails to cooperate with An Coimisinéir Teanga or if his or her work is obstructed and if it is proved that this occurred with the consent, connivance or neglect of an official, the official and the public body could be convicted in court in that particular case.