Noel Rock, Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, has today launched a plain language Bill, his sixth piece of legislation since entering the Dáil.
The plain language Bill, designed in consultation with National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) since October 2018, effectively ensures that public sector bodies will be required to provide versions of all forms and documentation that are readable by adults with basic literacy standards.
Speaking on the Bill, Deputy Rock said: “This is something we have been working on for a while now alongside NALA. I have consulted with senior colleagues in Government on this and am aware that some forms are already developed in conjunction with NALA, but it’s clear we need a universal standard across all Departments. I meet people every day in my office who need assistance reading, understanding and filling in forms; a commitment to plainer language will help them.”
Deputy Rock continued: “This Bill will be before the Dáil next week, and I am hopeful we can get it all passed in short order. It has been done in the United States and other countries, and I believe it should be done here too.”