Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge was launched today at an event in Croke Park in Dublin. Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is a new voluntary code of best practice, certified to ISO 9001:2008 by NSAI and developed by Foras na Gaeilge in conjunction with government and industry specification.

The all-island Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge award system gives recognition to business organisations who evaluate, develop and capitalise on the use of Irish as an additional business and marketing tool throughout the island of Ireland. Businesses who took part in the Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge pilot scheme were presented with awards at today’s event and it is now open to small and medium sized enterprises throughout the island of Ireland.

Minister of State for Irish, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh TD, said, “Foras na Gaeilge are to be commended for developing Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge, as this is the only code of bilingual best practice that exists internationally. This pioneering voluntary code of best practice is ISO-accredited and is further enhanced by numerous supports from Foras na Gaeilge, developed to assist private sector businesses in incorporating the use of Irish as a complementary marketing tool. My department is delighted to support this exemplary initiative and encourages private sector businesses to strongly consider the associated benefits of attaining Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge recognition.”

Foras na Gaeilge Chairperson, Pól Ó Gallchóir, said, “Today’s event is a big day for the business sector and for bilingualism on an international level as Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is the first official award scheme throughout the world which gives recognition to excellence in bilingualism in business. I commend the businesses who have been awarded Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge today; these businesses are excellent examples of the benefits associated with providing a bilingual service, a service which will be of benefit to their own business as well as their customers in the years ahead.”

Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge demonstrates awareness and a commitment to bilingualism in business and culture through language, enhancing indigenous characteristics or ‘Irishness’. As well as that, it shows marketing leadership in the provision of innovative customer service. Businesses who are interested in providing a bilingual service can register with Foras na Gaeilge and they will be given advice free of charge. Funding support will be provided during 2018 through Foras na Gaeilge’s Business Support Scheme, supporting businesses to provide signage, packaging, websites and printed marketing material through Irish, as well as English.

Ends

Notes for the editor:

About the Q-Mharc Gnó le GaeilgePilot Scheme:

As part of a pilot scheme, 7 groups on an all-island basis were awarded Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge at today’s event:

Further information:

To find out how your business could benefit from the Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge contact Foras na Gaeilge:

Tel: 353 74 955 8126

Email: eolas@qmharc.ie

Website: www.qmharc.ie

Media queries:

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

Tel: 0035387 673 6175    

Email: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie