Irish becomes formal EU working language

Irish has become a formal working language in the European Union from today.

The addition of Irish will require 29 posts for translation, revision and publication as well as four or five freelance interpreters.

However, for practical reasons, it has been decided that only regulations adopted by the European Parliament and Council will have to be available in Irish.

Other legislative acts will be exempted for a transition period of five years.

The annual cost to the EU is estimated at €3.5 million.