We need your help! We have over 4,000 signatures and we need 5,000 signatures by the end of July


Yes, over 4,000 people have signed our petition calling for plain English to be used by Government and its agencies. Our goal is to reach 5,000 by the end of July, so please sign up. Thanks in advance! Thanks too to those who have already signed.

Plain English Awards 2015, sponsored by Mason Hayes and Curran


We are asking you, whether you are a member of an organisation or an interested member of the public, to send us documents, pictures or websites that you think are outstanding examples of plain English – or of gobbledygook! The deadline to send submissions is 14 August.


A panel of plain English experts will judge the entries and decide on the best and worst winners in each category.


The awards are organised by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) to promote the use of plain English in all public information. Visit the conference website: https://www.nala.ie/plain-english-awards.

Sign our petition asking Government to provide information in plain English

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.”

You can sign our petition online at this link.