Bilingual Packaging: a guide for best business practice launched by Minister of State Seán Kyne T.D.

Séan Kyne T.D., Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, launched the ebook Bilingual Packaging: a guide for best business practice at an event yesterday in Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Aungier Street, Dublin 2.

Bilingual Packaging: a guide for best business practice is the second in a series of guidance ebooks published by Foras na Gaeilge for the business sector focusing on the principles of bilingualism in signage and packaging. The guidebook aims to recognise best practice in the use of Irish in packaging and to show the business community that the language is a valuable resource that can be used to attract consumers to their products. The ebook was a joint venture between Foras na Gaeilge and DIT, who carried out the primary research for the publication.

Speaking at the launch Minister Kyne said that the ebook was a ‘big step’ focusing on the area of ‘bilingual labelling and packaging’ specifically mentioned in the 20 Year Strategy for Irish 2010-2030. He warmly welcomed the publication and emphasised the particular importance of empowering businesses catering for customers in Irish and in English in Gaeltacht Service Towns and Language Planning Areas with a practical guidebook such as this.

Seán Ó Coinn, Chief Executive of Foras na Gaeilge, said ‘Foras na Gaeilge recognises the importance of using Irish in all aspects of society, and the guidebook greatly supports the use of Irish as a marketing tool in the business commerce sector.’ Ó Coinn said that Foras na Gaeilge is currently developing a new system for businesses called Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge, ‘which will give recognition to businesses which focus on providing services of bilingual best practice to customers’. More information on this major scheme will be available from Foras na Gaeilge later this year.

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Notes for the Editor:

  • The President of DIT, Professor Brian Norton, Dr. Máire Mhic Mhathúna, Chairperson of the Languages Act Committee, DIT and Dr. Brian O’Neill, Director of Research, Enterprise and Innovation, presented an exhibition from students, entrepreneurs and staff members to Minister Kyne and Foras na Gaeilge executives at the same event. Projects from MSc students in Cookery Innovation and Food Products Development, DIT Irish Language Office, the Irish Language Society an the TAIRSEACH magazine were among the exhibitions.
  • Jean Cahill, Head of Enterprise, Research and Development, Sciences and Health and Dr. Olivia Freeman, lecturer, DIT School of Marketing, carried out the primary research for the ebook Bilingual Packaging: a guide for best practice.

More information

Anna Davitt, Programme Manager: Communications, Marketing & Awareness, Foras na Gaeilge

Tel: 0035387 673 6175    

Email: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie