Guidelines on the Preparation of Schemes
Statutory guidelines have been developed by An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta to assist public bodies in preparing language schemes.
Requirements with regard to preparing a Language Scheme
- Publish a notice seeking input from interested parties.
- Take note of the guidelines from An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta.
- Ensure that a sufficient number of staff are able to provide services through Irish or bilingually.
- Ensure that the specific Irish language requirements concerning the provision of services in Gaeltacht areas will be met.
- Ensure that Irish will be the working language in its offices in Gaeltacht areas no later than the date the public body decides on with the consent of the Minister for Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta.
- Within the time period specified in the notice that was published, prepare a draft scheme and present it to the Minister for Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta for confirmation.
The Department’s statutory guidelines can be downloaded here.

