An Coimisinéir Teanga ('The Language Commissioner') is an office created by the
Official Languages Act 2003
The Official Languages Act 2003 () is an Act of the Oireachtas of Ireland. The Act sets out rules regarding use of the Irish language by public bodies; established the office of to monitor and enforce compliance by public bodies with the pro ...
in
Ireland
Ireland (, ; ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially Names of the Irish state, named Irelan ...
to promote and safeguard the respective language rights of
Irish and
English speakers in
Ireland
Ireland (, ; ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially Names of the Irish state, named Irelan ...
. The Coimisinéir is appointed by the
President of Ireland
The president of Ireland () is the head of state of Republic of Ireland, Ireland and the supreme commander of the Defence Forces (Ireland), Irish Defence Forces. The presidency is a predominantly figurehead, ceremonial institution, serving as ...
.
Role
The Coimisinéir's job is mainly to "police" the articles of the Act, which gives legislative force to the Irish Constitution's definition of
Irish as the country's "first official Language" and
English as the "second official language". The Coimisinéir's office develops language plans for public bodies to ensure that they fulfill their responsibilities to speakers of both official languages. Private bodies are not officially included in the Act but it makes provisions for extending the Act's applicability in the future.
Commissioners
* Seán Ó Cuirreáin, 2004–2014
* Rónán Ó Domhnaill, 2014–2023
* Séamas Ó Concheanainn, 2023-present
See also
*
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
An office is a space where the employees of an organization perform administrative work in order to support and realize the various goals of the organization. The word "office" may also denote a position within an organization with specific du ...
*
Office québécois de la langue française
The (, OQLF; ) is an agency of the Quebec provincial government charged with ensuring legislative requirements with respect to the right to use French are respected.
Established on 24 March 1961 by the Liberal government of Jean Lesage, the ...
*
Welsh Language Commissioner
The Welsh Language Commissioner () is a Welsh Government officer, overseeing an independent advisory body of the same name. The position was created following the passing of the ''Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011'', effective on 1 April 201 ...
*
Māori Language Commission
*
Bòrd na Gàidhlig
References
External links
An Coimisinéir Teanga: Official Website
{{DEFAULTSORT:An Coimisineir Teanga
Language regulators
Constitution of Ireland
Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht