Increase in Irish language services complaints

THE number of complaints made to the Irish Language Commissioner increased by almost half in 2006, according to his latest annual report.

However, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, An Coimisinéir Teanga, does not believe that the rise is due to a decrease or shortcomings in services provided through Irish but to an increase in public awareness of linguistic rights and of the Coimisinéir’s work.

Mr Ó Cuirreáin’s office dealt with 611 new complaints in total from members of the public during 2006, an increase of 47% from the previous year.