Please
– no more jargon, small print or gobbledygook!
New
petition asks the Government to provide information in plain English:
Details of our new petition
calling for plain English to be used by Government were launched in Dublin on Monday 22 September.
The petition asks the Taoiseach
to ensure that all public information produced by Government and its agencies
is written in plain English.
Recent research commissioned by NALA found that almost
95% of Irish adults are in favour of plain English. About half of them (48%)
find official documents, including information from the Government difficult to
understand. They also find jargon, terms and conditions and financial
information challenging.
NALA want people to sign the
petition to help them to raise this important issue with the Government and
promote the use of plain English in Government information to the public.
Speaking at the launch, Director, Inez Bailey, stated: “Both citizens
and governments benefit from clear information, written in plain English.
Citizens are more likely to understand their rights and governments are more
likely to make better use of their resources.”
“That’s why we recommend that all public information produced
by Government and its agencies is written in plain English,” she continued. “After all, plain English encourages
individuals to engage with public services and make informed decisions when
doing so. Using plain English can
also save the public sector time, money and possible frustration by having to
take repeated requests for information.”
NALA’s
petition calls for public information such as letters, forms and information
leaflets to be written in plain English. This means:
· using everyday words where
possible;
· explaining specialised words if they
can’t be avoided;
· keeping sentences to about 15 to 20
words; and
· using a readable font type and size.
NALA’s petition is welcomed by the National Consumer Agency (NCA). The NCA
is happy to support initiatives, like this, that encourage other
organisations to write and present their information more clearly to consumers.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of the NCA, Karen O’Leary,
said:
“Using plain English has helped us to provide consumers with clear and
accessible information. Our website, consumerhelp.ie was developed
using plain English principles. It has become a trusted source of information and
a ‘go-to’ place for consumers seeking
information. Providing clear
information also makes good business sense as it increases efficiency and value
for money.”
