Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
116. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the top five language courses provided by his Department for Irish embassy or consulate staff based overseas where English is not the first language spoken in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024; the amount paid by his Department for those courses for staff in the years in question, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28104/24]
View answerDeveloping and maintaining foreign language proficiency is an essential part of an effective diplomatic and foreign service. The Department aims therefore to provide the supports and resources staff need to achieve an enhanced level of foreign language proficiency from online training, group classes, one to one classes to immersion courses.
Staff preparing for posting to an Embassy or Consulate overseas are provided with foreign language training ahead of that posting and this then continues for the duration of the posting. This ensures that posted staff are equipped with the language skills necessary to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively, including to promote and protect Irish interests and values, and to provide excellent services to citizens.
The table below outlines the top five languages in respect of which courses were supported by the Department for staff based at Embassies and Consulates overseas, in locations where English is not the first language spoken. The table includes information for the years 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024.
|
Language |
2022 Number of staff overseas undertaking lessons |
2022 Cost € |
2023 Number of staff overseas undertaking lessons |
2023 Cost € |
2024 (to date) Number of staff overseas undertaking lessons |
2024 Cost € |
|
French |
40 |
100,803 |
61 |
109,048 |
49 |
73,417 |
|
Spanish |
23 |
51,358 |
32 |
76,661 |
21 |
21,351 |
|
German |
13 |
38,983 |
13 |
29,369 |
11 |
18,181 |
|
Portuguese |
7 |
10,397 |
20 |
34,969 |
7 |
16,526 |
|
Mandarin Chinese |
6 |
9,754 |
17 |
17,493 |
5 |
8,495 |
|
Total Spend |
€211,595 |
€267,540 |
€137,970 |
