Record reveals list of discouraged words and phrases in Leo Varadkar's government

‘Climate breakdown’ is on the list of barred phrases, although no alternative phraseology is proposed

A communique to the Department of the Taoiseach served as a guide in terms of the phraseology for answering to Leo Varadkar in his role as Taoiseach. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

Words and phrases such as ‘priority’, ‘deliver’, and ‘realise ambitions’ were frowned upon for use in official replies during Leo Varadkar's time as Taoiseach.

A communiqué to the Department of the Taoiseach served as a guide in terms of the phraseology for answering to Mr Varadkar in his role as Taoiseach.

Parliamentary questions are the responsibility of the Oireachtas information centre, where structured questions are asked of ministers regarding their portfolios by TDs.

The likes of ‘let me be clear’ or ‘roll out’ were not to be used, while ‘my Department’ in replies and speeches should never be used.

Phrases like ‘deliver’ or ‘deliver on’; ‘meet targets’ or ‘exceed’; ‘implement policies and strategies’; and ‘over challenges’ were also frowned upon.

Likewise, the use of ‘realise ambitions’, ‘achieve goals’, and ‘at the centre’ are all advised against.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

The use of ‘priority’ in replies is discouraged, while ‘support’ is discouraged in favour of “a more precise verb or noun”. ‘Address’ and ‘tackle’ are also advised against due to their lack of precision.

‘Climate breakdown’ is also on the list of barred phrases, although no alternative phraseology is proposed.

Words like ‘strength’ and ‘determination’ are preferable for use in responses in place of ‘resilience’.

The department is “not keen on” phrases including ‘I welcome’, ‘I note’, ‘I congratulate’, and ‘I proclaim’, the guidance said.

“Words like ‘proud’ or ‘delighted’ should not be overused and should not appear in many speeches,” it reads.