Using Irish State Services

It is stated in the Proclamation of Ireland that every citizen has the right to communicate with the State through Irish. In reality, services in Irish are rarely provided to the same standard as their English counterparts. Conradh na Gaeilge is constantly campaigning on behalf of the Irish language community to improve the standard of these services. 

What services are available to me in Irish?

Take the opportunity to use Irish when you are dealing with the State and if you have any difficulty, contact Conradh na Gaeilge at glacleis@cnag.ie or contact an Coimisinéir Teanga at eolas@coimisineir.ie

Services through Irish in the north

It is laid down in the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages that citizens can use the Irish language when writing to government departments and agencies or when ringing them. However, they are not obliged to respond in Irish. 

You can also fill in application forms and tax reports in Irish. Keep in mind when writing letters to the State in Irish that a response may take a little while longer, as the letter will need to be translated. 

If you would like to call the Government in Irish, there is a voicemail set up that allows you to do this: 028 90515252. Make sure to make it clear who the message is for and give your e-mail address also so that they can contact you after your message has been translated.

If you have any difficulty with the above, contact Conradh na Gaeilge at glacleis@cnag.ie.