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Updated to 29 May 2026 (Act No. 11 of 2026 and S.I. No. 217 of 2026)

All effects below are reflected in the most recent Revised Act.

Official Languages Act 2003
No. 32 of 2003

Contents

Commencement

Section Commencement Commencement Information
S. 1 14 July 2003 Commenced on enactment
Ss. 2-4 30 October 2003 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2003 (S.I. No. 518 of 2003), art. 2
Ss. 5, 6 19 January 2004 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2004 (S.I. No. 32 of 2004), art. 3
Ss. 7, 8 14 July 2006 In operation since 14 July 2006
S. 9(1), (2) 19 January 2004 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2004 (S.I. No. 32 of 2004), art. 3
S. 9(3) 14 July 2006 In operation since 14 July 2006
S. 10 1 May 2004 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2004 (S.I. No. 32 of 2004), art. 4
Ss. 11-30 19 January 2004 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2004 (S.I. No. 32 of 2004), art. 3
Ss. 31-35 30 October 2003 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2003 (S.I. No. 518 of 2003), art. 2
S. 36 19 January 2004 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2004 (S.I. No. 32 of 2004), art. 3
Schs. 1, 2 19 January 2004 An tOrdú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Tosach Feidhme) 2004 (S.I. No. 32 of 2004), art. 3

Amendments and other effects

How Affected Affecting Provision Commencement Commencement Source
Act included in collectively cited Official Languages Acts 49/21, ss. 2, 20(2)
Functions transferred and references construed (Mayor of Limerick) 7/2024, ss. 1(3), 10, 23, 25, 26, 28 & sch. 1 parts 1, 2 16 May 2024 Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 207 of 2024), art. 2(b)
Transfer of certain functions S.I. No. 175 of 2025, arts. 1(2), 3(1)(a), 4-8, schedule, part 1 1 June 2025 S.I. No. 175 of 2025, arts. 1(2)
  S. I. No. 164 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3(1) & sch., pt. 1 1 May 2011 S. I. No. 164 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 2 reference to "Minister" construed S.I. No. 175 of 2025, arts. 1(2), 3(1)(a), 4-8, schedule, part 1 S.I. No. 175 of 2025, arts. 1(2)
  S. I. No. 164 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3(1) & sch., pt. 1 1 May 2011 S. I. No. 164 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 2(1) amended 49/2021, ss. 2(a), (b), 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(a)
S. 2(1) amended 49/2021, ss. 2(c), 20(3) 20 June 2022 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(b)
S. 2(1) amended 7/2018, ss. 1(3), 194 25 May 2018 Data Protection Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 174 of 2018), art. 3
S. 4 functions transferred and references construed S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 & sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 4A inserted 49/2021, ss. 3, 20(3) 5 May 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2023 (S.I. No. 215 of 2023), art. 2
S. 4B inserted 49/2021, ss. 3, 20(3) 5 May 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2023 (S.I. No. 215 of 2023), art. 2
S. 7 substit. (in the Irish text) 23/2011, s. 62(a) 2 August 2011 Commenced on enactment
S. 7 substit. (in the English text) 23/2011, s. 62(b) 2 August 2011 Commenced on enactment
S. 7 non-application of 38/2014, ss. 1(2), 1447(1) 1 June 2015 Companies Act 2014 (Commencement) Order 2015 (S.I. No. 169 of 2015), art. 3
  10/2011, ss. 1(2), 5
  9/2011, s. 24 29 June 2011 Commenced on enactment
  36/2010, ss. 1(2), 70
  34/2009, ss. 1(3), 230 21 December 2009 National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 (Commencement) Order 2009 (S.I. No. 545 of 2009), art. 2
S. 9(1) amended 49/2021, ss. 4(a), 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(a)
S. 9(2) substituted 49/2021, ss. 4(b), 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(a)
S. 9(3) substituted 49/2021, ss. 4(c), 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(a)
S. 9(4) inserted 49/2021, ss. 4(c), 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(a)
S. 9A-9E inserted 49/2021, ss. 5, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(b)
S. 10 functions transferred and references construed S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 & sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 10A inserted 49/2021, ss. 6, 20(3) 10 October 2022 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2) 2022 (S.I. No. 511 of 2022), art. 2
S. 11 repealed with transitional provisions 49/2021, ss. 17, 19, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(c)
S. 11(3) functions transferred and references construed S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 & sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 12 repealed 49/2021, ss. 17, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(c)
S. 13 repealed 49/2021, ss. 17, 19, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(c)
S. 14 repealed 49/2021, ss. 17, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(c)
S. 14(4) inserted 49/2021, ss. 7, 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(b)
S. 15 repealed with transitional provisions 49/2021, ss. 17, 19, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(c)
S. 16 repealed 49/2021, ss. 17, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(c)
S. 17 repealed with transitional provisions 49/2021, ss. 17, 19, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(c)
S. 18 repealed 49/2021, ss. 17, 20(3) 21 December 2024 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) (Uimh. 2), 2024 (S.I. No. 692 of 2024), art. 2(c)
S. 18A-18F inserted 49/2021, ss. 8, 20(3) 20 June 2022 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme) 2022 (S.I. No. 313 of 2022), art. 2(c)
S. 19A-19D inserted 49/2021, ss. 9, 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(c)
S. 21(aa) inserted 49/2021, ss. 10, 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(d)
S. 27 functions transferred and references construed S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 & sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 29 amended 49/2021, ss. 11, 20(3) 13 March 2023 tAn Ordú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(e)
S. 31 amended 49/2021, ss. 12, 20(3) 30 June 2024 Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 320 of 2024), art. 2(a)
Ss. 31A-31C inserted 49/2021, ss. 13, 20(3) 30 June 2024 Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 320 of 2024), art. 2(b)
S. 32 orders under, provisions revoked by conflicting subsequent orders 37/2001, s. 192(4) as inserted by 20/2011, ss. 1(5), 48 31 January 2019 Local Government Act 2001 (Commencement) Order 2019 (S.I. No. 24 of 2019), art. 2(b)
S. 32(1) amended 49/2021, ss. 14, 20(3) 30 June 2024 Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 320 of 2024), art. 2(c)
S. 32(2) (Irish text) substituted 1/2019, ss. 1(2), 47(1)(a) 31 January 2019 Local Government Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2019 (S.I. No. 20 of 2019), art. 3(1)
S. 32(2) (English text) substituted 1/2019, ss. 1(2), 47(1)(b) 31 January 2019 Local Government Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2019 (S.I. No. 20 of 2019), art. 3(1)
S. 32(2) substit. 20/2011, ss. 1(5), 49 Not yet commenced. Requires commencement order under s. 1(5)
S. 36 am. 38/2012, ss. 1(3), 23 31 October 2012 S. 1(3)
Sch. 1 am. 23/2010, ss. 2, 15(12), sch. 2, pt. 12 1 October 2010 Central Bank Reform Act 2010 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 469 of 2010), art. 2
Sch. 1, constr. refs. 55/2015), s. 7(2) 24 December 2015 Commenced on enactment
  44/2015, s. 39(1), (2) 10 December 2015 Commenced on enactment
  42/2015, ss. 1(4), 76(3) 8 January 2016 Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 (Commencement of sections 30 and 42 and Part 4) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 4 of 2016), art. 2
  16/2015, ss. 1(2), 57(2), (3) 1 October 2015 Workplace Relations Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2015 (S.I. No. 410 of 2015), art. 2
  16/2015, ss. 1(2), 66(2), (3) Not yet commenced. Requires commencement order under s. 1(2)
  27/2014, ss. 28(1), 33(4), 35(2), 43 27 July 2014 Commenced on enactment
  25/2014, ss. 1(3), 8, 44(2) 1 November 2014 Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 449 of 2014), art. 4
  20/2014, ss. 1(3), 4, 6(2) 30 July 2014 Radiological Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 354 of 2014), art. 3(1)
  25/1990, s. 9A as inserted by 20/2013, ss. 1(5), 26 21 December 1990 Pensions Act 1990 (Parts I and II) (Commencement) Order 1990 (S.I. No. 331 of 1990), art. 2
  24/2011, s. 13 19 May 2006 s. 13(4)
Sch. 1, par. 1(1) am. 10/2011, ss. 1(2), 6, 92 6 July 2011 Ss. 1(2) & 6. Day appointed by Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 (Appointed Day) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 401 of 2011), art. 2
  10/2010, ss. 5 (2), 8(3)(a), & sch. 2, pt. 14 1 July 2010 S. 5(2). See also Inland Fisheries Act (Establishment Day) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 262 of 2010), art. 2
  44/2009, ss. 14(1), 15(3) and sch. part 1 1 January 2010 S. 15(3)
  19/2007, ss. 1(2), 40(1) and sch. 3, pt. 1 1 May 2007 Consumer Protection Act 2007 (Commencement) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 178 of 2007), art. 2
  33/2004, ss. 3, 4, 61 (1), 63, sch. 2, pt. 1 6 October 2004 Commenced on enactment
Sch. 1 par 1(2) reference to Ervia construed 11/2024, ss. 1(2), 6, 11 1 June 2024 Gas (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 208 of 2024), art. 4
Sch. 1 par. 1(2) reference to Bord na gCon construed 15/2019, s. 8(2) 1 October 2020 Greyhound Racing Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 399 of 2020), art. 2(b)
Sch. 1 par. 1(2) reference to National Sports Campus Development Authority construed 15/2015, ss. 6, 31 13 May 2015 Commenced on enactment
Sch. 1 par. 1(2) reference to National Consumer Agency construed 29/2014, ss. 1(5), 8, 39 31 October 2014 Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 366 of 2014), art. 3
Sch. 1 par. 1(2) reference to Bord Gáis Éireann construed 5/2014, ss. 8(1), (2), 9(3) 19 June 2014 ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) (Commencement) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 286 of 2014), art. 2
Sch. 1 par. 1(2) reference to Medical Council construed 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(3) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
Sch. 1 para. 1(2) amended S.I. No. 230 of 2020, reg. 2 19 June 2020 S.I. No. 230 of 2020, 2 
  11/2013, ss. 1(2), 72(1), sch. 6, item 44 1 July 2013 Education and Training Boards Act 2013 (Commencement) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 211 of 2013), art. 4
  21/2010, ss. 2, 165 1 November 2010 Adoption Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 511 of 2010), art. 2
  19/2007, ss. 1(2), 40(1) and sch. 3, pt. 1 1 May 2007 Consumer Protection Act 2007 (Commencement) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 178 of 2007), art. 2
  S.I. No. 150 of 2006, regs. 1(2), 3 1 May 2006 S.I. No. 150 of 2006, regs. 1(2)
Sch. 1, para. 1(4) deleted 49/2021, ss. 15(a)(i), 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(f)
Sch. 1, para. 1(5)(d) substituted 49/2021, ss. 15(a)(ii), 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(f)
Sch. 1, para. 2 amended 49/2021, ss. 15(b), 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(f)
Sch. 1, para. 3 amended 49/2021, ss. 15(c), 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(f)
Sch. 1, para. 3A inserted 49/2021, ss. 15(d), 20(3) 13 March 2023 An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 (Tosach Feidhme), 2023 (S.I. No. 90 of 2023), art. 2(f)
Sch. 2 superannuation schemes established S.I. No. 580 of 2009 23 February 2004 S.I. No. 580 of 2009, art. 2
  S.I. No. 579 of 2009 23 February 2004 S.I. No. 579 of 2009, art. 2
Sch. 2 para. 2(c) substituted 39/2018, s. 7 and sch. 26 December 2018 Commenced on enactment
Sch. 2 para. 2(c) amended 7/2004, ss. 3, 6, 7, 10, sch. 2, pt. 2 25 March 2004 Commenced on enactment

SIs made under the Act

SectionSIs made under the Act
S. 4 Official Languages Act 2003 (Public Bodies) Regulations 2019 (S.I. No. 230 of 2020)
  Official Languages Act 2003 (Section 9) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 391 of 2008)
  Official Languages Act 2003 (Public Bodies) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 150 of 2006)
  Na Rialacháin um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Léarscáileanna Forordaithe) 2004 (Official Languages Act 2003 (Prescribed Maps) Regulations 2004) (S.I. No. 212 of 2004)
S. 9(1) Official Languages Act 2003 (Section 9) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 391 of 2008)
S. 18A(1) An tOrdú um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (S.I. No. 312 of 2022)
S. 20 Scéim Aoisliútais An Choimisinéara Teanga 2009 (An Choimisinéara Teanga Superannuation Scheme 2009) (S.I. No. 580 of 2009)
  Scéim Pinsean Ranníocach An Choimisinéara Teanga Do Chéilí Agus Leanaí 2009 (An Choimisinéara Teanga Contributory Pension Scheme for Spouses and Children 2009) (S.I. No. 579 of 2009)
S. 32(1) Placenames (County Cork) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 395 of 2012)
  Placenames (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 599 of 2011)
  Placenames (Co. Dublin) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 598 of 2011)
  An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Luimnigh) (Leasú) 2008 (S.I. No. 115 of 2008)
  An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Thiobraid Árann) 2005 (Placenames (Co. Tipperary Order 2005) (S.I. No. 847 of 2005)
  An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Lárionaid Daonra agus Dúichí) 2005 (Placenames (Centres of Population and Districts) Order 2005) (S.I. No. 59 of 2005)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) 2004 (S.I. No. 872 of 2004)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Contae Uibh Fhailí) 2003 (S.I. No. 525 of 2003)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Contae Phort Láirge) 2003 (S.I. No. 524 of 2003)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Contae Mhuineacháin) 2003 (S.I. No. 523 of 2003)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Contae Luimnigh) 2003 (S.I. No. 522 of 2003)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Contae Lú) 2003 (S.I. No. 521 of 2003)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Contae Chill Chainnigh) 2003 (S.I. No. 520 of 2003)
  An tOrdúLogainmneacha (Contaetha agus Cúigí) 2003 (S.I. No. 519 of 2003)
S. 32(2)(b) Na Rialacháin um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Léarscáileanna Forordaithe) 2004 (Official Languages Act 2003 (Prescribed Maps) Regulations 2004) (S.I. No. 212 of 2004)
Sch. 2 Scéim Aoisliútais An Choimisinéara Teanga 2009 (An Choimisinéara Teanga Superannuation Scheme 2009) (S.I. No. 580 of 2009)
  Scéim Pinsean Ranníocach An Choimisinéara Teanga Do Chéilí Agus Leanaí 2009 (An Choimisinéara Teanga Contributory Pension Scheme for Spouses and Children 2009) (S.I. No. 579 of 2009)