This style guide was developed as a resource for the Citizens Information Board's Information Production team, who have responsibility for the content of the Citizens Information website.

It is also a useful tool for the production of any written material, whether for online or print publication.

The guide was developed in 2006 and has since been revised, following feedback from users. It is intended to update it each year, and comments and suggestions are most welcome.

You may reproduce material from this guide provided that you acknowledge the source.

May 2007

Introduction

"Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people." (W. B. Yeats)

This House Style Guide presents the rules and guidelines you should follow when writing information for the general public. It aims to help you make your writing as clear and consistent as possible.

The following topics are covered:

Clear English
Abbreviations
Punctuation
Spelling
Numbers
Contact details
Names of organisations, countries and regions
Capitalisation
Formatting
Inclusive language
Using Irish
Lists
Tables
References
Common errors

Note:

We use italic in this style guide:

To indicate a cross-reference to another section of the guide
To distinguish words under discussion from the rest of the text
To identify the titles of publications

1 Clear English

"Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret of style." (Matthew Arnold)

This section presents the fundamentals of clear English style. The following topics are covered:

Active and passive verbs
Wordiness
Foreign words and phrases
Modifier stacks
Present tense
Sentences and paragraphs
Strong verbs
Vocabulary

Use the active voice rather than the passive voice for most writing; it is clearer and more direct. The passive voice tends to make writing complicated. The passive voice can also create uncertainty or a sense of remoteness because it allows the writer to leave the agent out of the sentence. For example:

Use: You can appeal your Leaving Certificate results.

Avoid: Leaving Certificate results can be appealed.

Use: The jury decides whether the accused person is guilty.

Avoid: A decision is made whether the accused person is guilty.

Use the passive voice when you do not know the agent of the action or do not wish to name the agent. For example:

Your re-entry visa is returned to you by registered post.

The treaty was ratified in March 2006.

Wordiness

"Omit needless words" is the pithy advice in The Elements of Style. (Strunk and White)

Do not use words and phrases that add nothing to the meaning of the text or are unnecessarily long-winded. These weary the reader and create a stuffy, old- fashioned tone. For example:

Use: We are refurbishing our laboratory.

Avoid: We are currently in the process of carrying out a refurbishment of our laboratory environment.

Use: Planning applications for major development projects can be long and complex, so assessing them may take some time.

Avoid: Due to the fact that planning applications for development projects which are major in scope can be of significant length and complexity, it should be pointed out that that the process of assessing them may in certain cases take a considerable length of time.

Some typical examples of wordy or redundant phrases, with suggested alternatives, are:

in the event that (if)

in spite of the fact that (although)

in view of the fact that (because)

at this point in time (now, or omit the phrase)

each and every (every)

on a monthly basis (monthly)

Foreign words and phrases

In The Complete Plain Words, Gowers advises that "the safest rule about foreign words and phrases, and about legal tags or legal technical terms (whether in foreign or English words) is to avoid them if you can."

Do not use a foreign word or phrase unless it is necessary for the reader's understanding. Use the appropriate English word or phrase instead. For example:

Use instead of or in place of, not in lieu of

Use familiar with, not au fait with

Use €3,000 a year or €3,000 per year, not €3,000 per annum

Use with the necessary changes, not mutatis mutandis

Sometimes, it is necessary to use a foreign term in relation to the law. For example: force majeure. Keep this to a minimum and explain the foreign term when you use it. Set such terms in italic the first time you use them. See also Vocabulary.

Do not use accents with foreign words which have entered mainstream English. Do not italicise these terms. For example: creche and cafe.

Modifier stacks

A modifier stack is a string of three or more words before a noun. These modifying words are intended to describe that noun but can result in confusion. Do not place a string of modifiers before a noun. For example:

Use: the recent amendments to consolidate health and safety law

Avoid: the recent health and safety law consolidation amendments

Use: the new application form for planning permission to build a house extension

Avoid: the new house extension planning permission application form

Modifier stacks are not only difficult to read, they also cause ambiguity. For instance, it is not clear whether the last example above refers to a new application form, or an extension to a new house, or a new extension to a house.

Present tense

Use the present tense for current information. For example:

Use: EU Directive 90/496/EEC aims to ensure that all nutritional claims are clearly displayed.

Avoid: EU Directive 90/496/EEC aims to ensure that all nutritional claims will be clearly displayed.

Use: The new EU Directive will aim to ensure that... (Use the future tense for legislation that has still to be enacted.)

Use the present tense to give instructions and describe processes. For example:

Complete application form APS 2 if you are living outside Ireland or Northern Ireland. Send the completed application form to your nearest Irish embassy. Applications are processed and new passports posted out within 4-5 weeks.

Use other tenses only when the meaning of the text requires them. For example:

The President signed the Bill in April 2005.

The training centre would have been officially opened in December but the opening ceremony was rescheduled for February.

Sentences and paragraphs

"The finest words in the world are only vain sounds if you can't understand them. The best sentence? The shortest." (Anatole France)

Use short sentences and straightforward sentence constructions. Avoid long complicated sentences; they are difficult to write and difficult to read. Keep to one or two ideas in a sentence. The most common problem is trying to cram too many ideas into one sentence.

The Plain English Campaign suggests an average sentence length of 15 to 20 words.

Use short paragraphs. Divide your information into short topics and cover each topic in one paragraph.

Start each paragraph with the topic sentence - that is, put the most important information first.

In online documents, aim for paragraphs of three to five sentences and no more than 45-50 words.

If the topic is covered in one or two sentences, move on to a new paragraph. Do not put unrelated sentences together in an attempt to create paragraphs of average length.

Strong verbs

Strong verbs describe actions directly. Use them where possible; they are more straightforward and easier to understand. Avoid constructions in which the verb is turned into an abstract noun which then has to be supplemented with a weak verb. For example:

Use: to investigate the incident

Avoid: to conduct an investigation into the incident

Use: the Institute measures the radon concentration

Avoid: a measurement is made of the radon concentration by the Institute

Note how, in the last example above, the problems of the weak verb construction are compounded by use of the passive verb (see Active and passive verbs). Repeated use of weak verbs and passive verbs makes for very heavy reading.

Vocabulary

"The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words." (George Eliot)

Use words which are familiar, short and concrete. Do not use words which are unusual, long, fancy or abstract.

Do not use jargon (in the sense of technical language) unless it is necessary to do so or would be useful for the reader; members of the public may not be familiar with the terms.

Jargon is sometimes unavoidable when writing about subjects such as the law, finance or computers. In such cases, explain the jargon in straightforward terms. For example:

Use: Hearings in the Children's Court are held in private under the in camera rule. (This rule means the proceedings cannot be held in public; it also prohibits the publication or broadcast of any details of the proceedings.)

Use: If the person or institution detaining you cannot justify the detention or prove that it is lawful, the High Court may order that you be released. This is called a habeas corpus order.

Avoid: If the person or institution detaining you cannot justify the detention or prove that it is lawful, the High Court may issue a habeas corpus order.

Set these technical terms in italic the first time you use them.

Do not use legalese or commercialese. These are corrupted forms of legal and business jargon which obscure meaning rather than enlighten the reader. The terms can sound pompous as well as meaningless.

Avoid, for example, expressions such as:

hitherto
if you are in receipt of
heretofore
herewith attached
aforementioned
ring fenced
shall be deemed
ballpark figure

2 Abbreviations

Abbreviations, acronyms and contractions are the three most commonly used terms for shortened forms of words or phrases. All three forms are often simply referred to as abbreviations.

See Commonly used abbreviations for the preferred form of abbreviations widely used when writing public service information.

Abbreviations and acronyms

Abbreviations omit the end of a word or omit parts of a word, or use the initial letters in a series of words. For example:

IHRC for Irish Human Rights Commission

ISPCA for Irish Society f or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Acronyms are abbreviations which can be pronounced as words. They are formed using the first letters of a word or phrase, or the first syllables of a word or phrase. For example:

IBEC for Irish Business and Employers Confederation

VAT for Value Added Tax

Uses

The Oxford Style Manual advises that abbreviations and acronyms "should be used as a convenience for the reader, not the writer." (R. M. Ritter)

Use the abbreviation or acronym alone if the term is generally referred to in that way and is rarely used in its full form. It might be confusing for the reader to give the expanded form of abbreviations and acronyms such as FÁS, TD, AIDS and DART.

Some terms are commonly referred to by both their full name and their abbreviation. For example: National Roads Authority (NRA). However, readers may only be aware of one of these forms. Always give both the full form and the abbreviation in these cases, even if you subsequently do not use the abbreviated form.

Otherwise, use abbreviations and acronyms sparingly. Use them if the term is lengthy or awkward to read and is repeated so often that it is easier to read in the shortened form.

Take care with abbreviations. Make sure the reader will understand them. In a long section, repeat the full form occasionally unless you are using a familiar abbreviation. If you are using two or more similar abbreviations, repeat the full form to avoid ambiguity.

First time you use an abbreviation

Spell out an acronym or abbreviation the first time you use it and the first time it occurs in each successive section. Follow the full phrase with the abbreviated form in parentheses. For example: National Development Plan (NDP).

Follow a familiar abbreviation with the expanded form in parentheses as readers may only be aware of one form. For example: EU (European Union).

Avoiding too much repetition

Avoid using the abbreviated term so often that it looks as though the page has been attacked by capital letters. If possible, vary the abbreviation with a recognisable component of the full phrase. For example:

Vary the use of DSFA with the Department for the Department of Social and Family Affairs

Vary the use of ECJ with the Court for the European Court of Justice

Take care with this approach. It can cause ambiguity. For example, do not use the Department if your text includes references to more than one department.

Alternatively, repeat the full phrase occasionally. This applies particularly in a long section when you are using an abbreviation that may be unfamiliar to the reader.

Abbreviations to avoid

Avoid using abbreviated words unless space is a problem, such as in a table. For example, in normal text:

Use street not st.

Use approximately, not approx.

Use number, not no.

Do not use Latin abbreviations such as viz, e.g. or i.e. Readers may not be familiar with them. In normal text, the only exceptions to this rule are am and pm, as in 6am.

Capitalisation in abbreviations and acronyms

In general, use upper case (capitals) for acronyms and abbreviations formed from initial letters of words. For example:

CGT, MABS, PAYE, MRBI, SI

If the abbreviation represents the name of an organisation, follow the form that the organisation itself uses in text in its website or literature. For example:

Use FÁS, not Fás

Use PwDI, not PWDI

Full stops in abbreviations and acronyms

Do not insert full stops in abbreviations and acronyms formed from initial letters. For example: use TD, not T.D.

Do not insert full stops in abbreviations which end with the last letter of the word. For example:

Use Mr (not Mr.)

Use Dr (not Dr.)

Use dept (not dept.)

Use full stops for single initials and abbreviations which do not end with the last letter. For example, Ph.D. and Co.

Use full stops after initials in a person's name. Insert one space after each full stop. For example:

Use J. J. Kavanagh, not JJ Kavanagh or J.J. Kavanagh

Plural abbreviations and acronyms

To form the plural, add a lower case s, but no apostrophe. For example:

Use Many CISs also host other services, not Many CIS's also host...

Possessive form of abbreviations and acronyms

Follow the usual rules when forming the possessive case of an abbreviation or acronym. If possible, however, rewrite the sentence to avoid awkward phrases. For example:

Use guidelines from MABS rather than MABS's guidelines

A, an and the with abbreviations and acronyms

Pronunciation, not spelling, is the guideline for deciding whether you should put a or an before an abbreviation. Use an before abbreviations beginning with a vowel sound. Otherwise, use a. For example:

Use an MEP, not a MEP

Use an SSIA, not a SSIA

Use a UN adviser, not an UN adviser

Use a TD, a PLC

If an abbreviation can be pronounced as a word, it is an acronym. Acronyms do not usually need the definite article, the, before them. For example:

Use CIPS, not the CIPS

Use SIPTU, not the SIPTU

Use the DART, not DART (There are always exceptions to look out for.)

Addresses, time, measurement, metadata

See Addresses, Time of day and Measurements for guidelines on abbreviations in these situations.

Abbreviations are also used in metadata. See 'Metadata' in Writing for the Web.

Contractions

Contractions omit letters from the start, middle or end of words. In everyday use, contractions fall into two categories: verbal contractions and noun contractions.

Verbal contractions

These are made up of two words including a verb. They use the apostrophe to indicate missing letters. For example:

it's for it is, couldn't for could not

Do not use this type of contraction unless the nature of the publication requires a familiar conversational tone. For example: the case studies in Employment Rights Explained.

If you must use these contractions, be careful with the negative form. Insert one apostrophe only, between the letters n and t to replace the missing o in not. For example:

Use haven't, not have'nt

Use don't, not do'nt or do'n't

See Apostrophes for more information on problem areas.

Noun contractions

A noun contraction is a shortened version of a word. In plain English, a well- established noun contraction is preferred to the lengthier version of the word. For example:

flu for influenza, phone for telephone, pram for perambulator

These contractions no longer use an apostrophe to indicate missing letters.

3 Punctuation

The purpose of punctuation is to make the text clear and readable. Effective punctuation is invisible to the reader. Too much causes distraction, too little can lead to confusion.

Ampersand

Use the ampersand (&) only if it is part of the proper name of an organisation, such as Age & Opportunity, or the title of a publication.

Do not use the ampersand to replace the word and in normal text.

Apostrophe

Apostrophes mark a contraction in a word or the possessive case.

Certain contractions use the apostrophe, such as I'll or it's. For more on these, see Contractions.

The possessive case indicates ownership or association, as in landlord's property. This section concentrates on the use of the apostrophe to indicate possession. It also highlights common misuses of the apostrophe.

Singular possessive

For words which are singular, add 's (an apostrophe and the letter s) to the end of the word to create the possessive form. This includes names and abbreviated terms. For example:

employer's liability, the court's decision, HSE's policy

For singular words ending in s, x and z, the same rule generally applies. For example:

St James's Hospital, Sólás's counselling service, Marx's theory

There are exceptions to this rule and the best advice is to use pronunciation as a guide. Change the construction if the phrase sounds too awkward. For example:

if the 's is followed by a word starting with s as in Sólás's services, change the construction to services from Sólás

Plural form of possessives

For plural words ending in s, add the apostrophe after the s. For example:

solicitors' fees, six months' notice

Our use of Citizens Information is an exception to the above rule. Citizens Information is part of our brand identity. The phrase never takes an apostrophe when we use it as part of our branding. This is in keeping with the practice of similar organisations in other countries. For example:

Use Citizens Information Centres, not Citizens' Information Centres

In normal text, however, do use the apostrophe with citizens' information.

For plural words that do not end with s, add an apostrophe and the letter s. For example:

children's rights, people's attitudes

Possessive compound nouns

In compound nouns that are phrases, apply the apostrophe to the last word in the phrase. For example:

father-in-law's name, EU Commission's report

If the phrase is plural, prefer of instead of the apostrophe. For example:

Use names of the fathers-in-law, not fathers-in-law's names

See Compound nouns for more examples of this type of noun.

Its, yours, hers, ours, theirs

Possessive pronouns do not take the apostrophe. For example: yours, not your's.

Take care with its and it's. Its indicates ownership. It's is a contraction of it is. For example:

It's often said that every dog has its day.

It's is colloquial and should rarely, if ever, appear in public service publications.

Apostrophe problems

Do not use apostrophes for plurals if the plurals do not own anything in the sentence. This error usually occurs where the word ends in a vowel in the singular form. For example:

Use Refugees in Ireland, not Refugee's in Ireland

In particular, look out for plurals of abbreviations. For example:

Use the former CEOs have been replaced, not the former CEO's have been replaced

Do not use the apostrophe with numbers. For example:

Use 1990s, not 1990's

Use over 60s, not over 60's

Do not use the form do's and don'ts, use dos and don'ts.

Colon

The colon (:) serves as an introduction to the remainder of the sentence. It is useful in a number of ways.

Use the colon:

To introduce a vertical list (see Lists).
To present an example. For example:

Assistive technologies have improved significantly: screen readers are now much more effective.

To present a conclusion.
For example:

Oil stocks are declining: we need to invest in other fuel technologies now.

To provide an explanation.
For example:

The Act defines the statutory minimum: annual paid leave entitlement of four weeks.

To introduce a quotation or extract. For example:

The Ombudsman welcomed the new publication:

"It should be of great benefit - not just to members of the public but also to public bodies who need public feedback in order to improve the services they provide."

To introduce a series of words or phrases after a complete statement. For example:

Correct: There are four main courts in Ireland: the District Court, the Circuit Court, the High Court and the Supreme Court. (There are four main courts in Ireland is a complete statement.)

Incorrect: The four main courts in Ireland are: the District Court, the Circuit Court, the High Court and the Supreme Court. (The four main courts in Ireland are is not a complete statement. Do not insert a colon directly after active verbs unless you are introducing a vertical list.)

Correct: The following clinical interest groups are included: managers, teachers, physiotherapists and neurologists. (The colon follows a complete statement.)

Correct: The clinical interest groups include managers, teachers, physiotherapists and neurologists.

Incorrect: The clinical interest groups include: managers, teachers, physiotherapists and neurologists.

Comma

Commas separate the parts of a sentence to provide structure and clarity. This section provides guidelines for the common uses of the comma.

Avoid overusing the comma. If a sentence has a large number of commas, consider breaking it down into short sentences.

Introductory words or phrases

Use a comma after an introductory word or phrase. For example:

Alternatively, the employee may attend a training course.

However, you should always seek legal advice.

At the beginning of March, the Department proposed three new programmes.

In order to call a constitutional referendum, a proposal to amend the Constitution must be introduced in the Dáil as a Bill.

A series of words or phrases

Use commas to separate a series of words or phrases. For example:

Private health insurers in Ireland include VHI, Quinn Healthcare and VIVAS Health.

The project will require funding, promotion, tools and expertise.

Additional training should be made available for development managers, boards of management, new staff and volunteers.

Do not insert a comma before the final and unless the comma is required to avoid ambiguity. For example:

The legislation applies to parents and children, teachers and pupils, carers, and older people.

Non-essential phrases

Use commas to enclose a word or phrase which is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. That is, the word or phrase can be omitted without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. For example:

The legislation does not apply where a close relative, such as a parent, is the employer.

Do not use commas to enclose a word or phrase that is essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example:

Correct: Staff who incur expenses will be reimbursed by the employer.

Incorrect: Staff, who incur expenses, will be reimbursed by the employer.

You can also use dashes or parentheses to enclose a non-essential phrase. See Parentheses for an explanation of the difference.

Main clauses joined by a conjunction

Use a comma to separate main clauses joined by a conjunction such as and, but, or, nor and yet. For example:

There is no need for the father to apply to the court for guardianship rights, nor is there any need for him to adopt the child.

Most information officers offer basic advocacy in terms of helping clients with applications for social welfare and allowances, but they also assist clients with appeals in areas such as equality and employment.

Do not use the comma where clauses are short and simple. For example:

The property goes to the survivor but there is no tax liability.

Do not use the comma to join two main clauses which are not joined by a conjunction. This common error is known as a comma splice. Instead, create two sentences, or use a semicolon, or insert a conjunction. For example:

Correct: The employee must refer the case within 6 months of receiving the statement. The Rights Commissioner may extend the referral limit for up to 12 months.

Correct: The employee must refer the case within 6 months of receiving the statement; the Rights Commissioner may extend the referral limit for up to 12 months.

Correct: The employee must refer the case within 6 months of receiving the statement, but the Rights Commissioner may extend the referral limit for up to 12 months.

Incorrect: The employee must refer the case within 6 months of receiving the statement, the Rights Commissioner may extend the referral limit for up to 12 months.

Words and phrases such as however, for example, nevertheless

Use commas to enclose words and phrases such as however, for example, nevertheless, in addition, that is and overall. For example:

The new regulations do not, however, cover areas such as safety measures and fire prevention.

So, for example, the time spent on jury service will not mean any loss of annual leave entitlement.

The new position, nevertheless, should not be on terms substantially less favourable than the terms of the previous job.

Do not overuse these words and phrases. Always ask yourself whether they are really necessary since they can make your writing seem formal and long-winded.

A series of adjectives

Use commas to separate a series of adjectives when each adjective modifies the noun and each comma could be replaced by the word and. For example:

a signed, binding agreement means a signed and binding agreement

Dates and addresses

See Dates and Addresses for guidelines on the use of commas in these situations.

Other uses of the comma

There are uses of the comma other than the ones described above. These occur less often, some are quite subtle, and the authorities on language do not always agree upon them. For a full discussion of the comma, see, for example, The Oxford Style Manual which has 24 subsections on the matter.

Dash

Use dashes, not hyphens, to separate phrases and words from the rest of a sentence or to express a range of numbers.

Non-essential phrase

Use dashes to enclose a non-essential phrase. That is, the word or phrase can be omitted without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. For example:

Information publications are produced in various formats - large-print, Braille, tape and disc - and are available in these formats through CICs nationwide.

You can also use commas or parentheses to enclose a non-essential phrase. See Parentheses for an explanation of the difference.

Final phrase

Use the dash to introduce a phrase at the end of a sentence or to replace a colon. For example:

The total number of information requests in 2004 was 72,975 - a 73% increase over 2003.

Ranges

Use the dash to express a range of numbers, dates and times. See Numbers.

Overuse

Be careful when using dashes; they can make your writing sloppy if used wrongly and they lose their impact if overused. Other punctuation marks such as the comma, semicolon, colon and parentheses are usually preferable.

Ellipsis

An ellipsis (...) is a series of three full stops used to indicate omissions from quoted text. Do not insert spaces between an ellipsis and the surrounding text. For example:

"Better availability of childcare will play an important role in improving the quality of life...in these less-advantaged areas."

Do not put a full stop after an ellipsis at the end of a sentence.

Exclamation mark

Use an exclamation mark (!) only if it is part of an organisation's name or part of an extract from another publication.

Do not use the exclamation mark in normal text. It expresses emotion, surprise or emphasis. Citizens' information should be neutral and objective in tone.

Full stop

Use a full stop at the end of each complete sentence unless it is a question. Do not insert a space between the last letter of the sentence and the full stop. Insert only one space between the full stop and the first letter of the next sentence.

Use full stops after single initials, after initials in names, and after certain abbreviations. For more on this, see Abbreviations.

Use a full stop at the end of an item in a list if it is a complete sentence. Note: if at least one item in the list contains a full sentence, each item has a full stop at the end. See Lists for more on this.

Do not use a full stop at the end of headings, even if the text forms a complete sentence. See Headings and captions.

Hyphen

Compound adjectives

A compound adjective is made up of two or more words that describe a noun. Use the hyphen to join the words of a compound adjective before a noun. For example:

This section provides up-to-date information on training courses.

Self-employed workers are not covered by the Amendment.

The Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly means-tested payment.

Do not hyphenate a compound adjective when it comes after the noun. For example:

Your eligibility for the Domiciliary Care Allowance is means tested.

Do not hyphenate a compound adjective which contains an adverb ending in ly. For example:

Advice is available to all newly married couples.

Do not hyphenate a compound adjective which is capitalised. For example:

the Health Service Executive staff

Do not hyphenate a compound adjective in a scientific term. For example:

potassium permanganate solution

Prefixes

A prefix is an addition to the start of a word. It cannot stand alone as a word. Examples are pre, re, non, sub. Words with prefixes are usually written as one word, such as pretext, remarry and substandard, but hyphens are used in certain cases to make the meaning clearer.

Use a hyphen to avoid confusion with another word. For example:

re-sign a contract (as opposed to resign from a job)

re-form an opinion (as opposed to reform of the legislation)

Use a hyphen where the prefix is repeated at the start of the word. For example:

re-release

sub-subcategory

Use a hyphen with the prefixes self - and all-. For example:

self-regulating

all-embracing

Use hyphens with prefixes before initial capitals, before numbers and before dates. For example:

the post-Clinton era

in the mid-1990s

a pre-October election

Use a hyphen to avoid an awkward collision of letters. This often applies when the last letter of the prefix is the same as the following letter, particularly if they are vowels. For example:

semi-incapacitated (as opposed to semiconductor)

co-operate (as opposed to cohabit)

re-establish (as opposed to rename)

film-maker (as opposed to firefighter)

If the prefix ends in a vowel and is followed by a different vowel, the word does not usually require a hyphen. For example:

Reapply or reinvent (as opposed to re-endorse or re-engagement)

Preamble (as opposed to pre-empt)

Coeducational (as opposed to co-ordinate)

Note the many exceptions for co. For example: co-dependency, co-worker.

Rules vary with non. For general vocabulary, check the entry in the dictionary. For example: non-payment but nonconformist. With newer expressions or technical expressions, use a hyphen. Do not use non as a stand-alone word. For example:

Correct: non-contributory pension, non-EU countries, non-resident, non-EEA worker

Incorrect: non contributory pension, non EU countries, non resident, non EEA worker

Do not use a hyphen after a prefix to indicate an omitted common element in a series. For example:

Correct: provision of pre-school and after-school care

Incorrect: provision of pre- and after-school care

Suffixes

A suffix is an addition to the end of a word. It does not form a word by itself.

Do not use hyphens with common suffixes such as -scape, -proof, -wide, -tight, -like, and -less. For example:

landscape, waterproof, airtight, nationwide, lifelike, homeless

Do not use the suffix -like to create new combinations unless it is necessary to do so. For example:

a database-like set of files (could be written as a set of files similar to a database)

Numbers and fractions

See Numbers for the use of hyphens in numbers and fractions.

Points of the compass

Use hyphens in points of the compass. For example:

south-west

the north-east region

South-East Asia

See Regions of Ireland for exceptions to this rule.

Conventions and exceptions

Note that conventions change over time. Some compound words become so familiar that they lose their hyphen. For example: childcare, healthcare, homework, jobsharing, website, but, currently, lo-call.

Other compound words ignore the rules above, such as those applying to words which have an awkward collision of letters and should use hyphens. For example: withhold, override.

Still others defy logic. For example: part-time, full-time and overtime.

Last words on the hyphen

The rules on hyphens are uncertain and the exceptions are numerous. Here are two practical suggestions: consult a dictionary when in doubt and be as consistent as you can.

We leave the last word on hyphens to John Benbow: "If you take hyphens seriously, you will surely go mad."

Parentheses

Use parentheses (round brackets) to enclose extra information which is not essential to the meaning of the surrounding text. The non-essential information inside the parentheses can be a word, numbers, a phrase or a sentence.

Always use parentheses:

To introduce abbreviations - Family Income Supplement (FIS)
To give translations - Garda Síochána (Irish police force)
To provide a reference - The law (SI 639 of 2002) sets down that unit prices must be displayed

You can also use parentheses:

To explain jargon - The attributes of the advertiser (the advertiser's identity, assets and so on) were untrue
To give a cross-reference in printed publications - Contact the Health and Safety Authority (see Useful addresses)
To supply extra details - tax at the standard rate (20%)

You should always be able to justify using parentheses, especially if the extra information is quite lengthy. For example:

All new motor vehicles brought into Ireland must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners. (The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the collection of taxes in Ireland on behalf of the Irish Government.) Any delay in registering your vehicle may lead to substantial penalties.

This explanation in parentheses is useful as readers of this particular entry are likely to come from outside Ireland and may not be familiar with the term Revenue Commissioners. The explanation is offset in parentheses because the rest of the text is about importing vehicles and not about the Revenue Commissioners.

Punctuation with parentheses

Do not place a comma before or after the parentheses. For example:

Correct: Some advisers deal with a large area (especially outside Dublin) and it may be difficult for you to go the office.

Incorrect: Some advisers deal with a large area, (especially outside Dublin), and it may be difficult for you to go the office.

If the enclosed phrase finishes the sentence, put the full stop outside the closing bracket. For example:

Return the completed form (and all the supporting documents).

If the enclosed phrase finishes a sentence and it is a sentence itself, treat it as a separate sentence and follow the usual punctuation rules. (Start with a capital letter and end with a full stop.)

Parentheses within parentheses

Avoid nesting sets of parentheses inside each other as this can be confusing. For example:

This is an issue of contract law (the contract of employment (signed and agreed) between the employer and employee).

Try using alternative punctuation to solve this type of problem, such as a pair of commas or dashes. For example:

This is an issue of contract law (the contract of employment, signed and agreed, between the employer and employee).

This is an issue of contract law (the contract of employment - signed and agreed - between the employer and employee).

See Alternative punctuation below for more on this.

Overuse

Try to avoid using too many sets of parentheses in your text, particularly for longer phrases. It can make your writing seem like notes containing a series of afterthoughts rather than well-structured prose.

Consider alternative punctuation. Commas and dashes can sometimes be used instead of parentheses.

Alternative punctuation - commas, dashes and parentheses

You can enclose a non-essential phrase with commas or dashes or parentheses. Base your choice on whether you want the phrase to be closely integrated with the rest of the sentence or separated from the rest of the sentence.

Use commas to integrate the phrase closely with the rest of the sentence. For example:

All employers, no matter the size of the company, must provide the statutory annual leave entitlement.

Use dashes to separate the phrase from the rest of the sentence and to add emphasis to it. For example:

For import into Ireland, each of the above animals - there are no exceptions - must have an import licence.

Use parentheses to clearly separate the phrase from the rest of the sentence in a more formal way. For example:

Every motor vehicle in Ireland (with the exception of vehicles brought in temporarily by visitors) must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners.

Question mark

Use the question mark at the end of a sentence which is a question.

Do not use a question mark to suggest doubt or ambiguity as ambivalence is not appropriate when writing public service information.

Quotation marks

There are two types of quotation marks: single (' ') and double (" ").

Use double quotation marks to enclose quotes from direct speech and publications or documents. This is the convention for newspapers and in American publications. Increasingly too, it has become the convention used online. This is why we have adopted it as our house style.

Use single quotation marks to enclose a quote within a quote. This rarely occurs in public service information.

Use single quotation marks in online text to highlight a cross-reference to a nearby section and refer the reader to the location by using above, below or following as appropriate. For example: See 'Where to apply' below.

Use single quotation marks in a bibliography to enclose the title of an article or chapter from a book.

Do not use quotation marks to highlight technical words or phrases; use italic for this and always with an explanation. Readers may interpret the use of quotation marks around such terms as signifying the writer's ambivalence about the term. It is similar to using the phrase so-called.

For information on using quotations, see Quotations. For information on citing publications, see Referring to publications and Bibliographies.

Semicolon

Main clauses with no conjunction

Use the semicolon to link two main clauses which are not connected by a conjunction such as and or but. For example:

Send a crossed cheque or money order; do not send cash.

A person who dies without having made a will is said to have died intestate; this means that the person's property and money will be distributed in accordance with the law.

The clauses linked by a semicolon should contain closely related ideas; otherwise, present them as two separate sentences.

Take care that you do not create overlong sentences through use of the semicolon. It is often better to start a new sentence.

List items that contain commas

Use the semicolon to separate list items where some of the items contain commas. For example:

Organisations which provide support in the arts include Arts and Disability Ireland, Dublin; Crafts Council of Ireland, Kilkenny; CREATE, Dublin; Voluntary Arts Ireland, Downpatrick.

It is often better to present a series of items as a vertical list. See Lists.

Slash

Do not use the forward slash (/) in normal text to replace the words and, or, or and/or as this causes ambiguity. For example:

Correct: The employee is entitled to carer's leave and parental leave.

Correct: The employee is entitled to carer's leave or parental leave.

Correct: The employee is entitled to carer's leave and/or parental leave.

Incorrect: The employee is entitled to carer's/parental leave.

You can use the forward slash in certain well-established phrases and abbreviations. For example:

his/hers
spouse/partner
Widow's/Widower's Pension
Deserted Wife's Benefit/Allowance
c/o for care of in addresses
N/A for not applicable in forms
http://www.ciboard.ie/
120 km/h

Take care, even with well-established usages, that there is no danger of ambiguity. Spell out the phrase if you are in any doubt.

Do not use the backslash (\).

4 Spelling

Fowler refers to the "notorious difficulty of English spelling" (A Dictionary of Modern English Usage). As an entire book could be devoted to the subject rather than a single chapter, we have decided to make only two practical suggestions: use your spelling checker with care and consult a dictionary when in doubt.

Check that your spelling checker is set to English (Ireland) or English (UK) and not to English (US). Do not, however, depend only on your spelling checker to catch mistakes. It may not save you from the odd howler such as the Bill was singed for the Bill was signed. Spelling checkers only check for misspellings, not inappropriate words. Always review your work to make sure it reads sensibly.

Take care with homonyms (words which sound the same but are spelled differently). This applies particularly to familiar homonyms such as licence and license, dependant and dependent. For example:

A provisional driving licence does not license you to drive on a motorway.

Children in Ireland are dependants of their parents. Extra allowances may be payable if you have a dependent child.

See Words that can cause problems for more on this.

5 Numbers

This section describes the general rules for using numbers and then defines the format for using numbers with:

Dates
Time of day
Fractions, decimals and percentages
Measurements
Money

See also Phone numbers. See 'Accessible writing' in Writing for the Web for guidelines on numbers and accessibity for users of assistive technologies.

Numerals or spelled out

In general, spell out numbers from zero to nine and use numerals for 10 and above. For example: nine houses, 12 districts, 55 years old, aged three months.

Be ready, however, to apply the many exceptions to this rule:

Use numerals with dates, abbreviated units of time and measurement, money, decimals and percentages, tables, and page references - for more on these areas, see Dates; Time of day; Measurements; Money; Fractions, decimals and percentages; Tables; Page references.
Do not start a sentence with a numeral. Spell out the number or find another way to start the sentence. This also applies to sentences starting with a percentage.
Spell out non-specific numbers. For example:

Use in the thousands, not in the 1,000s

Do not mix numerals and spelled-out numbers if you are making a comparison or have a series of numbers, even if some are below 10. For example:

Correct: Children aged 8-15 years can avail of this.

Incorrect: Children aged eight-15 years can avail of this.

Mix formats, however, if it will help to distinguish between two different sets of numbers. For example:

Use 2 five-page forms, not two five-page forms

Ordinal numbers (first, second and so on)

In general, spell out ordinal numbers in normal text, including those greater than ninth. For example:

Use twenty-first birthday, not 21st birthday

Use after the twentieth week on Disability Benef it, not 20th week

But, use 20th century, not twentieth century (an exception)

Use numerals in addresses for phrases such as 4th Floor.

First or firstly

Use either first or firstly: "I do not think that any contemporary grammarian will mind much whether you say first or firstly" (Gower in The Complete Plain Words). Any of these combinations is acceptable:

Correct: first, secondly, thirdly

Correct: first, second, third

Correct: firstly, secondly, thirdly

Forming plural numbers

Add an s to numerals. Do not insert an apostrophe. For example:

under 18s, not under 18's

in the 1990s, not in the 1990's

For numbers which are spelled out, you generally form the plural in the usual way by adding an s. Note: sixes for six, twenties for twenty.

Singular or plural

For numbers such as dozen, hundred, thousand and million, use the singular for a specific number and use the plural if the number is indefinite. For example:

two dozen eggs, a hundred children, 67 million people

dozens of cases, hundreds of events, millions of people

Measurements that are part of a compound phrase are singular. For example:

a 10-year passport, not a 10-years passport

a 15-metre gap, not a 15-metres gap

Number ranges

If you are giving information which spans a period or a range of measurements or numbers, the format to use depends on the construction.

With from and between, use these formats:

From 1995 to 1999

Between the ages of 20 and 23

You can substitute a dash for to in ranges which use or imply the construction in the range or during the period. Omit the space on either side. For example:

Their offices are open Monday-Saturday

14-23 Adelaide Road

During the years 1988-2004

This vaccination is usually administered to children aged 12-1 5 months.

Use a dash if the end date is an undetermined future time such as in the phrase 2005-.

Do not mix formats if you are comparing ranges. It is more effective, as well as good style, to be consistent. For example:

Correct: This applies to children aged 4 to 5 years and 11 to 12 years only.

Correct: This applies to children aged 4-5 years and 11-12 years only.

Incorrect: This applies to children aged 4 to 5 years and 11 -12 years only.

Do not use a dash after from or after between. For example:

Use from 30 to 40, not from 30-40

Use between €80 and €100, not between €80-€100

Commas with numbers

In general, insert a comma with numerals of 1,000 or more. Insert the comma every third digit from the right. For example: €35,210 or 1,346 square metres.

There are some exceptions. Do not insert a comma in page numbers, addresses, years, or numerals used in a technical context such as engine size. For example:

Page 1032 and not 1,032

2801 West Street and not 2,801 West Street

2006 and not 2,006 but 13,500 BC (because this has five numbers)

1400cc and not 1,400cc

Do not insert a comma after a street number (see Addresses). See Dates for the use of commas in dates.

Hyphens with numbers

Use hyphens in numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine, twenty-first to ninety-ninth, and in fractions. For example:

twenty-six years ago, it was commonplace

fifty-third place in the ranking

one-half of the population

two-thirds of all claimants

Use a hyphen in a compound word or phrase involving a number. For example: a three-month period, a 12-year-old child. Note these are singular, not plural.

Thousand and million

Specific numbers: two thousand, 15,000, 20 million

For rounded sums below 10, spell out the whole number. For example:

Use nine thousand, not 9,000

Use three million, not 3,000,000

Otherwise, use numerals with thousands. Do not use the abbreviation k for thousand, even with money or measurements. For example:

Use a fine of €1,270, not a fine of 1.27 thousand euro or a fine of one thousand two hundred and seventy euro

Use a grant of €100,000, not a grant of 100k euro

In general, insert a comma between the thousands and the hundreds when using numerals. For example: 5,300 people and not 5300 people. See Commas with numbers above for exceptions to this rule.

For specific mixed numbers with millions, use numerals in decimal format as required. Spell out million. Do not use the abbreviation m for million. For example:

Use 3.35 million people, not 3,350,000 or three million three hundred and fifty thousand

Use 150 million cubic metres of water, not 150m cubic metres, or 150,000,000 cubic metres

Specific numbers are singular. For example: use two million, not two millions.

Unspecified numbers: thousands and millions

Spell out non-specific numbers in phrases such as thousands of times, millions of gallons. These indefinite quantities are plural, not singular.

Dates

A specific date

Use this format: day month year, with no commas. Spell out the month in full and use numerals for the day and years. For example:

Correct: 15 January 2006

Correct: 6 December 1998

Incorrect: 15th January 2007

Incorrect: 23 Feb 2003

Incorrect: 15/01/07

Do not shorten the year, or abbreviate the month, or use numbers to represent the month unless the demands of a table require this.

A named day with the date

Insert a comma after the day. For example:

Friday, 3 March 2006

Time of day

am and pm and minutes

Use numerals with am and pm to express the time of day. Do not use the 24-hour clock.

Do not insert a space between the number and the abbreviation Do not insert a full stop or a space after the letters in the abbreviations am and pm. Always use lower case. For example: 11am to 3pm.

Insert a full stop between the hour and minutes. For example: 2.20pm.

Avoid ambiguity with 12am and 12pm by using the format 12 midnight or 12 noon to distinguish between night and day.

o'clock

In general, do not use terms such as o'clock in formal writing. They may be required, however, in text which is highlighting a particular case or example.

Spell out the numbers in expressions such as eleven o'clock, half past ten and a quarter to twelve. Do not insert hyphens between the component parts. For example: use half past four, not half-past four.

Use o'clock with the full hour only. Do not say half past one o'clock. Do not use am or pm with the term o'clock.

Fractions, decimals and percentages

Fractions

Spell out fractions. For example:

Use one-third, not 1/3

Use three-quarters, not 3/4

If the fraction is used with a whole number, insert and between the number and the fraction. For example: five and three-quarters. Prefer decimals to fractions for this type of amount; they are easier to read.

Decimals

Use numerals for decimals. Insert a point between the whole number and the decimal. For example: 1.75.

Insert a zero before the point if the value is less than 1. For example: use 0.65, not .65. This does not apply to money; use the format 65 cent or 65c.

Percentages

Use numerals and the symbol % instead of per cent when you are giving numerical information, unless the percentage information occurs at the start of a sentence. For example: use 6%, not 6 per cent or six per cent.

Try to avoid starting a sentence with a percentage figure. Start the sentence using terms such as A total of, Almost, The. If this is not possible, spell out the percentage information. For example:

Forty-seven per cent of the population (Note: you could recast this as Exactly 47%...)

Use percentage if you are writing in general terms. For example: only a small percentage of the population.

Do not use %age as an abbreviation for percentage.

Take care with the maths when you are using percentages. For example:

If queries rise from 25 to 50, this is a 100% increase. It is not a 25% increase.

If inflation goes down from 4% to 2%, it is a 50% drop. It is not a 2% drop.

Making comparisons

Do not mix fractions with decimals or with percentages when you are making comparisons. This reduces the impact of the comparison and it can be confusing. For example:

Correct: Over 1.75 million citizens voted in the recent election compared with 1.5 million in the previous election five years ago.

Incorrect: Over 1.75 million citizens voted in the recent election compared with one and a half million in the previous election five years ago.

Correct: Just under 25% of that age group smoke now compared with over 33% a decade ago.

Incorrect: Just under 25% of that age group smoke now compared with over a third a decade ago.

Rounding

When giving information on money, be precise and give the exact amount. In other situations, prefer rounding to the nearest whole number if possible. Avoid using more than one decimal place unless you have to be very specific: "Beware of phoney overprecision" (The Economist Style Guide). Although the number may be accurate, it is generally not more enlightening to say 24.863% instead of almost 25%.

Measurements

If you are spelling out a unit of measurement, apply the usual rules for spelling out numbers or using numerals: spell out whole numbers below nine and use numerals for 10 and above; use numerals with decimals and spell out fractions. For example:

two minutes, four litres, 35 hours, four and a half days, 7.5 kilometres

In a compound phrase or word involving a number and a measurement, use a hyphen to link the number and the measurement and keep the measurement singular. For example:

nine-inch gaps, a three-month wait, a 48-hour week, a 4.5-litre car

Abbreviated units of measurement

Prefer the full form for a unit of measurement unless your topic requires repeated use of the measurement, such as in a table or list explaining speed limits in Ireland. Spell out units of measurement in full the first time you use them as readers may not be familiar with them. Check the capitalisation and format for abbreviated units of measurements in a dictionary.

Use numerals with abbreviated units of measurement. Do not insert a space between the number and the unit. For example:

The maximum speed limit on a motorway is 120km/h.

Mains electricity in Ireland runs on 230V.

Temperatures above 27°C are not comfortable for working.

With temperatures, avoid mixing Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Money

In normal text, use numerals for amounts of money above one. In tables, use numerals for all amounts of money. For example:

one euro, not 1 euro (in normal text)

1 euro, not one euro (in tables)

2 euro, not two euro (in tables and normal text)

100 euro, not a hundred euro (in tables and normal text)

In online text and in normal printed text, add the currency symbol before the amount. For example:

€38 euro, £65 pounds sterling, $23

In printed publications, use the currency symbol in tables if space is tight. Insert the symbol before the amount, with no space after the symbol. For example:

Use €53, not € 53 or 53€

Do not use other formats such as those common in banking. For example:

Use €560, not EUR 560

Use £300 sterling, not GBP 300

A number of countries use the dollar. Distinguish between the different currencies by inserting the name of the country before dollar. For example: 10 US dollars, 35 Australian dollars.

If you give an amount of money in different currencies, include the rate that you used. If you are comparing values of money over different periods, give a date reference.

Use the decimal format with money as required. For example: €7.65.

euro and cent

Always use in lower case. Do not add an s for the plural forms. For example:

Use €7, not 7 euros or 7 Euro

Use 53 cent, not 53 cents or 53 Cent

After the abbreviated form for cent, do not insert a full stop or a space between the numeral and the symbol. For example: 53c, not 53 c. Use this form only in tables.

If giving a value below one euro, do not insert a zero or decimal point before the amount. For example:

Use 65 cent, not .65 euro or 0.65 euro

6 Contact details

This section covers the layout for addresses, phone numbers and other contact details such as email. Use the formats given below for printed publications as well as online text, unless they conflict with the overall design of the printed publication.

Addresses

In normal text, locate address details at the end of a section if possible. This applies to online and printed publications. Enter the address details as you would on an envelope: give each element a separate line and do not insert a comma at the end of a line. Do not insert a comma after the number of the street. For example:

Department of Transport
Transport House
44 Kildare Street
Dublin 2

If you need to give the address before the end of a section, separate it from the surrounding text by inserting a line space before and after the address.

Use numerals for numbers in addresses. For example: 2nd Floor.

Exceptional punctuation in lists of addresses

In lists of addresses, use the above format if possible. Some printed publications place space constraints on address lists. If each element cannot be entered on a separate line, use punctuation to separate the different parts of the address: insert commas after the intermediate elements and put a full stop at the end. For example:

Irish Sports Council, 21 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2.

Abbreviations with addresses

Use these abbreviations in postal addresses:

St for Saint, no full stop

Co. for County, with a full stop

Do not use abbreviations for Road and Street.

Phone numbers

In general, prefer these formats:

(01) 809 0600

(071) 402 5500

087 166 1835

1890 773 462

+353 1 284 1166

For local and national numbers, always insert the area code in parentheses before the local number. For example: (01) for Dublin, (071) for Sligo.

Do not place parentheses around the prefix of a mobile number. For example: use 086, not (086).

For international codes from a land line or a mobile:

Before the start of the entire number, insert the + sign followed by the appropriate international country code. For example: +44 for the UK, no space between + and 44.
Insert a space after the country code.
Delete the zero at the start of the area code or mobile prefix.
Enter the remainder of the number as usual.
For example, if called from outside Ireland:
(01) 607 2827 becomes +353 1 607 2827
087 533 1233 becomes +353 87 533 1233

Arranging the numbers

Most numbers in Ireland have seven digits, excluding the area code. Arrange the numbers in groups of three and four in these cases. If there are fewer digits, avoid a string that has more than five numbers.

Do not split up numbers which represent the area code or a special tariff.

Some well-known tariff numbers use different formats for their number layout. Use the layout given in the source material. For example: 1850 67 33 33.

Special tariff numbers

Identify special tariff numbers before the start of the number. Include any qualifications in parentheses at the end. For example:

Helpline: 1850 221 721

Lo-call: 1890 223 030 (10am to 5pm, Monday-Friday)

Freephone: 1800 252 524

Use the spellings as given above. For example: do not use Freefone or Locall, even if the source material uses these formats.

Layout of other contact details

Identify phone numbers, fax numbers, email and Web addresses by using the appropriate prefix followed by a colon. Include any qualifications associated with the phone number, such as 24 hours or Monday-Saturday, after the number.

Use these prefixes:

Tel for telephone (unless it is a special tariff number)
Fax for facsimile
Email for email address
Web for Web address

7 Names of organisations, countries and regions

Organisations

Correct name

Always use the correct official name for an organisation. Refer to the organisation's letterhead or website for guidance. For example:

Use Department of Agriculture and Food, not Agriculture Department

Use Department of Social and Family Affairs, not Social Welf are Department

Do not invert elements of a name in the manner used in an index. For example:

Use Irish Insurance Federation, not Insurance Federation, Irish

After the first use of the full term, you can refer to the organisation within the same paragraph or short section by using a recognisable component of the name such as the Agency or the Federation. If more than one such department or federation has been mentioned previously, however, use the full term to avoid ambiguity. Alternatively, use a suitable abbreviation which you introduced alongside the first full use of the term. Limit the use of these abbreviations or shortened forms to avoid ambiguity.

Singular not plural

Organisations are single entities. They take singular verbs, not plural. For example:

Correct: The Department of Defence has placed...

Correct: The UN is mandated to...

Correct: Positive Options has a directory of agencies...

Incorrect: Positive Options have a directory of agencies...

Countries

Use official names for countries.

Ireland is the full name laid down in the Irish constitution. Do not use Éire, Republic of Ireland or Irish Republic.

Use UK when referring to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Do not use UK and Northern Ireland. The official EU name is United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain refers to England, Scotland and Wales. Use Northern Ireland; do not use Ulster or the Six Counties.

Use United States or US for United States of America. Since US is so well known, there is no need to spell it out - even with the first use. Do not use America.

Use the Netherlands if you are referring to the entire country. Holland is only part of the country.

Countries take singular verbs even when they appear to be plural. For example:

The United States is the largest consumer of...

The Philippines has the fastest growing...

Regions of Ireland

If you are referring to a general direction, use the standard conventions: no initial capital, a hyphen in compounds such as south-west. For example:

Correct: The Red Line runs south-west to east

Incorrect: The Red Line runs South West to East

Correct: The southbound lanes of the motorway

Incorrect: The Southbound lanes of the motorway

Use initial capitals if you are referring to a recognised geographical region or political entity. For example: Northern Ireland, South Leinster, the Midlands.

Organisations and agencies use different conventions for referring to regions around the country. Make sure that you identify whose convention you are using when referring to regions. Select the format used by the originating organisations (for capitals, hyphens and so on). Examples of different formats are given below for reference.

Citizens Information Board regions

Refer to the regional services of the Citizens Information Board as follows:

Region 1: Dublin North and North East

Region 2: Dublin West and Midlands

Region 3: Dublin South and South East

Region 4: Southern and Mid West

Region 5: West and North West

Regional authorities

Regional authorities promote the co-ordination of public service provision and monitor the delivery of EU Structural Fund assistance in the regions. Use these formats for the different authorities:

Border Regional Authority

Dublin Regional Authority

Mid East Regional Authority

Midlands Regional Authority

Mid West Regional Authority

South East Regional Authority

South West Regional Authority

West Regional Authority

Health Service Executive (HSE)

Use these formats for the four Health Service Executive (HSE) areas:

HSE West

HSE South

HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster

HSE Dublin North East

8 Capitalisation

Capitalisation refers to the use of capital letters, particularly to the use of initial capital letters. Initial capital letters are used at the start of a sentence, with the personal pronoun I, and to distinguish proper nouns. A proper noun is a name or term which applies to a specific thing or person. Most difficulties with capitalisation arise from deciding whether a noun is proper or not, particularly in relation to public bodies. This section gives guidelines for recognising proper nouns in a variety of contexts.

These guidelines may not cater for every situation you encounter. Each document brings fresh challenges. As a general rule, follow Gower's advice: "Use a capital for the particular and a small letter for the general," and "be consistent throughout any document you are writing." (The Complete Plain Words)

See Abbreviations for the use of capital letters with abbreviations and acronyms.

See Headings and captions and Referring to publications for capitalisation in captions, headings and publications.

Place names, regions and rivers

Capitalise the names of recognised geographical areas. This includes regions which may be popularly known by a particular name as well as their geographical place name. For example:

Cork, Louth, Leinster, the Banner County, Temple Bar, New Zealand

Capitalise compass points only if they refer to an established geographical or political region. For example:

Northern Ireland, West Cork

southern Ireland, western seaboard, extending east

Organisations with nationwide branches often use their own internal references for local regions and usually give them initial capitals. See Regions of Ireland for information on the regional names used by the Citizens Information Board, regional authorities and the Health Service Executive. Check the format used by other organisations on the relevant website.

Give an initial capital to river only when it follows the name of the river. For example:

Correct: river Slaney

Correct: Slaney River

Incorrect: River Slaney

Capitalise other topographical terms such as mount, lough, peninsula if they occur either before or after an established place name. For example: Lough Erne, Macgillycuddy's Reeks.

This also applies to terms such as street, building, bridge and park if they are directly associated with an official name. For example: Dundrum Viaduct, Phoenix Park, Thomond Bridge.

Do not capitalise these terms if they occur independently of the place name in a phrase, even if you have capitalised them earlier in the text. For example:

Airlink operates bus services from Dublin City Centre to Dublin Airport. The average journey time from the city centre to the airport is 30 minutes.

Weekdays, months, festivals, seasons

Capitalise named days of the week and named months. This also applies to specific holidays and festivals. For example:

Tuesday, March, Easter, St Patrick's Day

Do not capitalise the seasons of the year. For example:

Use autumn, not Autumn

Organisations and groups

With specific organisations

Capitalise specific names of organisations, government departments and institutions unless they do otherwise. This includes committees and tribunals formed for a particular purpose. For example:

Environmental Protection Agency

Family Mediation Service

Department of Agriculture and Food

District Court

An Taisce

Refugee Appeals Tribunal

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs

In general, do not capitalise prepositions or conjunctions in official names unless they occur at the start of a sentence. Similarly, do not capitalise the before an organisation name unless it forms part of the established name; this is rare. For example:

Use the Office of Public Works, not The Office Of Public Works

Use the Department of Health and Children, not The Department Of Health And Children

Use The Irish Times, not the Irish Times

Within a paragraph, you may have to refer to a particular organisation on a number of occasions but do not want to trip up your readers with lengthy repetitions of the organisation name. If there is no suitable abbreviation, capitalise a recognisable component of the proper name if possible. For example: the Department for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Take care with this technique. Keep it to a minimum. Make sure that you are referring to a particular proper name and not using the term in a general sense. Do not refer to the Department without having previously used the full name.

General terms

Do not capitalise if you are referring to a collective group or a general term. For example:

Use Fingal County Council for a specific council

Use county councils for the collective group

Use District Court for the specific type of court

Use court for the general term

Use Presentation Secondary School for the specific school

Use your local secondary school for the general term

Further examples:

Two or more local authorities can establish joint committees. County and city councils may establish a strategic policy committee. Town and borough councils can establish municipal committees which have the same functions as strategic policy committees.

The Public Accounts Committee launched its interim report on transport in May 2005.

Exceptions are made for Local Health Office and Local Employment Service. Always capitalise these terms.

An exception is also made for Garda and Gardaí. Use An Garda Sióchána for the official title. Use the Gardaí for the collective group. Capitalise Garda in terms such as Garda station. Similarly, capitalise Garda and Gardaí in articles on justice and related issues, but never where the terms appear in lists with other professions. For example:

Correct: If you are in Garda custody... (that is, you are in the custody of the organisation)

Correct: Your passport form may be signed by a garda, lawyer, medical doctor...

Incorrect: This regulation applies to childcare workers, public health nurses, Gardaí...

The Government, the State and the Constitution

Capitalise g in the government only if you are referring to the body of people who make up the current Irish Government. Use lower case for foreign governments, past Irish governments, general references and government departments. For example:

The Strategic Task Force on Alcohol made a number of recommendations to the Government.

Every government in the EU has signed up.

The Disability Act 2005 places obligations on public bodies including government departments and local authorities...

Note: capitalise g in eGovernment.

Similarly, capitalise c in the Cabinet only if you are referring to the Irish Cabinet. Capitalise c in the Constitution only if you are referring to the Irish Constitution.

Use initial capitals when referring to a specific institution in the EU or other countries, but not if using terms on their own in a general sense. For example:

The programme is funded by the EU Constitution.

This will affect the constitutions in a number of countries.

All consumers purchasing goods in other EU member states are entitled to a basic set of consumer rights.

Capitalise s in the state only if you are using the term as a synonym for Ireland, and then preferably only in a legal context. Prefer Ireland to the State as international readers may not be familiar with the use of the State to represent Ireland. Do not capitalise state if you are referring to state-owned companies. For example:

Correct: The High Court reserved judgement in a bid by the State to appeal...

Correct: Coillte manages state forests and any related commercial activities.

Correct: Ireland's National Drug Strategy was developed with the co- operation and contribution of a number of state and voluntary agencies.

Correct but not advised: A person with refugee status can apply for permission to have a family member live in the State.

Preferred: A person with refugee status can apply for permission to have a family member live in Ireland.

Titles and jobs

Capital letters indicate a title. Lower case indicates a job role.

With a named person

Insert the job title before the name of the person. Use capital letters for the title and do not insert a comma after the title. For example:

Use Chairperson John Brown and not Chairperson, John Brown

Use Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and not Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern

Inserting a job after a person's name indicates an explanation of this person's role, not their title. In these cases, use lower case for the job and insert a comma after the person's name. For example:

John Kelly, the managing director, will present the report.

Specific titles in Ireland

Capitalise these terms when you are referring to the current holder of the title. This applies even if there is no name attached to the role in your text:

The Taoiseach
President (only the Irish President)
Attorney General
Assistant Secretary (if referring to the civil service)
Cathaoirleach
Ceann Comhairle
Chief State Solicitor
Comptroller and Auditor General
Commissioner (as in Data Protection Commissioner, Equality Commissioner, Garda
Minister for Finance (or other specific department)
The Tánaiste
Commissioner, Deputy Garda Commissioner, Revenue Commissioners)
Director of Equality Investigations
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
Ombudsman
Secretary General (if referring to the civil service)
State Pathologist (and Deputy State Pathologist)

Use lower case for general references to these roles and for former office holders. For example:

previous taoisigh, former attorney general

Job roles

Use lower case for general terms even if you use the singular form. For example:

Correct: Contact your local social welfare officer.

Incorrect: Contact your local Social Welfare Officer.

Correct: The public health nurse can help with this.

Incorrect: The Public Health Nurse can help with this.

Correct: A coroner is not permitted to consider civil or criminal liability.

Incorrect: A Coroner is not permitted to consider civil or criminal liability.

Always use initial capitals with Community Welfare Officer (CWO) which is an exception to the rule.

Capitalise minister if you are referring to a member of the current Irish Government. For example:

Correct: The Minister for Health and Children will introduce this Bill in the spring.

Correct: Several Ministers took part in today's discussion.

Correct: The government can include two ministers who are members of the Seanad (Irish Senate).

Correct: A number of former finance ministers were called to the conference.

Capitalise Garda and Gardaí in articles on justice and related issues, yet another exception. Do not capitalise these terms if they appear in a list with other professions. For example:

Correct: No more than two Gardaí can interview you at any one time.

Correct: You are entitled to the same Garda support services.

Correct: Your passport form may be signed by a garda, lawyer, medical doctor...

Incorrect: This regulation applies to childcare workers, public health nurses, Gardaí...

Legal vocabulary

Use lower case with court unless mentioning a specific court such as the Circuit Court. Also, use lower case with judge unless inserting the term before a person's name.

Capitalise Act, Amendment, Bill and Statutory Instrument even when using these in a general sense. Capitalise other terms such as code of practice or article only if they are linked to a specific piece of legislation.

People, languages and religion

Use initial capital letters when referring to people from established national and ethnic groups, and their languages. Also, use initial capitals when referring to established religions. For example:

French, Nigerian, Romanian, Travellers, Ulster Scots

Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism

Benefits, allowances and reports

Use initial capital letters with specific names. Use lower case with general references. For example:

The Rural Environmental Protection Scheme is an income support scheme for farmers.

The Herbal Medicines Project Final Report was published in January 2002.

The Probation and Welfare Service may prepare a victim impact report.

Family Income Supplement (FIS) is just one of a number of allowances designed to help people who are in the workforce.

Capitalisation to avoid

Do not use capitalisation for effect or emphasis. Using initial capitals in a general phrase such as a Council passes a resolution at a Council meeting can seem self- important and antagonise the reader; this is "totally outmoded and a vehicle of satire" (The Chicago Manual of Style).

Note: using full capitals can seem like SHOUTING. Use italic instead or introduce your point with the term Note: to draw attention to something you think is particularly important.

9 Formatting

Formatting is the arrangement of the text on the page or screen. In online publications, a number of these elements are preset. In printed publications, the final decisions about a number of formatting elements are made in consultation with the designer. This section deals with those areas where you have to make decisions yourself about the most appropriate formatting for your text.

See Lists and Tables for the formatting of these elements.

Headings and captions

Start with a capital letter. Otherwise, only use capital letters if the word or phrase would normally take capital letters.

Do not underline headings; this is old-fashioned, a relic of the typewriter era. As a general rule, set headings in bold type. Do not insert any punctuation at the end of a heading.

Place captions beneath photographs. Do not set captions in bold. Use a full stop at the end of the caption only if it is a sentence.

Heading levels

Heading levels are preset online. In print, restrict your writing to three levels: chapter heading, section heading and paragraph heading. If your structure is so complex that it requires further breakdown, consider whether a separate chapter would be better. In general, use numbered headings only for chapter headings unless you are writing a complex document such as a social policy report.

Embedded headings

Use embedded headings at the start of consecutive paragraphs or items within a list to present complex or contrasting information. Set these headings in bold. For example:

Joint ownership of a property can be held in one of two ways:

Joint tenancy. This is where the whole property is owned by two people with the intention that, when one of them dies, the surviving person inherits the property.
Tenancy in common. This is where the property is owned in defined shares by two or more people such as 50/50, 75/25 or 60/40. If you have a tenancy in common, you can leave your share to anyone you wish.

Footnotes

Use these sparingly for a lengthy aside or reference. If possible, use parentheses as an alternative. Insert a footnote at the end of a page rather than put an endnote at the end of the section. See also Tables.

Do not use footnotes online except directly under a table. Use a link instead.

Index

Use lower case unless the term is normally capitalised.

Use first and second-level heading entries only. For example:

separated parents
custody
income tax

In general, index a term if there is a reasonable amount of information on the subject. Insert synonyms or established alternative terms in the index; if you think it may be a useful guide for the reader, add the term used in the text in parentheses after the index entry. For example: family emergency (force majeure)

Do not index cross-references. This only irritates the reader.

Bold, italic and underlining

Bold

Reserve bold for headings.

Otherwise, use bold formatting only very occasionally for words or phrases that you wish to emphasise. Do not overdo this technique. Bold words and phrases make text spotty and can look startling. Overuse also reduces the emphasis.

Do not use bold formatting for negative terms such as never or not.

Italic

Italicise legal or other technical terms which require an explanation. Italicise these terms only when you use them for the first time and always accompany them with an explanation. For example:

A person who dies after having made a valid will is said to have died testate. If you have died testate, all your possessions will be distributed in the way you set out in your will.

Use italic for titles of publications. Use normal text with a link for online publications.

Italicise examples of law suits and case law. For example:

O'Reilly v McManus

Do not italicise foreign words or phrases such as cafe.

Note: the House Style Guide uses italic in running text to distinguish words under discussion from the surrounding text.

Underlining

Do not use underlining online, it could be mistaken for a link. Do not use underlining in print; it looks forbidding and old-fashioned.

10 Inclusive language

Readers of the information produced by the Citizens Information Board come from a variety of backgrounds both inside and outside Ireland. You need to take account of this diversity when you are writing and always consider a reader's culture, religion, racial or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or disability. This section gives general guidelines on using language which is respectful and which avoids marginalising people.

Avoid grouping

Avoid limiting and depersonalising people by placing them in groups such as the elderly or the disabled. Being older or having a disability is just one facet of a person's life; it does not define the person. In many cases, this means do not make nouns out of adjectives. For example:

Use bereaved people, not the bereaved

Use unemployed people, not the unemployed

Use gay men, not gays

Use older people, not the elderly

Use person with dyslexia, not a dyslexic

Address the reader

Address the reader directly rather than using the third person. This is more inclusive and is often easier to write because it avoids clunky text. Using the third person (he/she, they, people) tends to distance the reader from the writer. For example:

People with disabilities are eligible for home help services and other home support services. In some areas, a personal assistant may be employed to help people with disabilities...

can be rewritten as

If you have a disability, you are eligible for home help services and other home support services. In some areas, a personal assistant may be available to help you...

If you need to address a number of different readers, make it clear which readers you are addressing. For example:

If you are separated, you may...

If you are divorced, you may...

Use acceptable terms

The meanings or associations of some words change over time. What was once acceptable can become derogatory. It seems incredible now that cretin (derived from Christian) was once considered a euphemism. This can happen quickly, between two versions of the same publication. Check the Glossary of terms for the appropriate words or phrases to use when discussing a particular issue. If necessary, seek the advice of a representative group.

On occasion, a term may seem to be on the edge of unacceptability. If it would be helpful for the reader to know the term, use it with an explanation of its meaning in the context, particularly if the term is used officially. For example, aliens is the correct legal term for foreign nationals but has more fantastic connotations in the minds of many modern readers.

People from ethnic groups or other countries

Always use the official terms when referring to the nationality, language or cultural background of people from other countries or ethnic groups. For example: use Roma, not gypsy.

Avoid grouping people as Eastern Europeans, Asians or Africans. Name the individual countries involved.

In general, do not use exclusionary terms with negative prefixes such as non- Christian. Avoid non-national; use foreign national. Non-denominational is an exception.

People with disabilities

Take care not to make assumptions about a disability. Choose words that are impartial and accurate. Do not use terms which may imply that people are to be pitied, or that they are somehow more patient or heroic. Never use normal in contrast. For example:

Use a person who has had a stroke, not a stroke victim, or a person afflicted by a stroke

Focus on abilities, not limitations. For example:

Use wheelchair user, not confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair bound

Avoid terms which suggest management of people or view people as problems. For example:

Use family support needs, not family burden

Use suitable living arrangements, not placement

Gender-neutral terms

Use gender-neutral language where possible for occupations and titles. For example:

Use firefighter, not fireman

Use flight attendant, not steward or stewardess

If you are talking generally, prefer terms such as chairperson to chairman or spokesperson to spokesman. If you are using the term as a title before a named person, check the term used by the organisation in question and be specific. For example:

Use a spokesperson for the local residents committee (for the general term)

Use RSA Chairman Gay Byrne, not RSA Chairperson Gay Byrne

Note: use ombudsman, not ombudsperson or ombudswoman (ombudsman is excepted because it is a translation). The plural is ombudsmen.

There may not always be a suitable gender-neutral term for a general situation. For example: landperson is not an alternative for landlord or landlady. Lessor is an alternative but is not much used and may be unfamiliar to readers. In this case, landlord is generally recognised as applying to either a man or woman.

Ultimately, the best guide in this sensitive area is to apply common sense, be consistent and check your sources.

He/she, his/her, they

Where possible, address the reader directly. If this seems inappropriate, use he, she or they as required in the context. For example:

If a pregnant woman needs medical treatment, she must...

Use he/she or his/her if the sentence could apply to both a man and a woman. Do not use s/he. Use these expressions sparingly as they can make text seem clumsy. Rewrite in the plural to avoid this construction if possible. For example:

Each spouse is...responsible for filing his/her own tax return and paying tax on his/her own income.

can be rewritten as

Both spouses are...responsible for filing their own tax returns and paying tax on their own incomes.

If it is not possible to rewrite the sentence, use they to avoid too much repetition of he/she. For example:

Avoid: When your spouse or partner reaches 66 years of age, you will not get an increase in your payment for him/her as a qualified adult. However, he/she may apply for a State Pension (Non-Contributory) in his/her own right.

Prefer: When your spouse or partner reaches 66 years of age, you will not get an increase in your payment for them as a qualified adult. However, they may apply for a State Pension (Non-Contributory) in their own right.

Sexual orientation

Avoid generalisations as far as possible. Do not group people as gay or homosexual. Use individual terms as appropriate to specify the gender of a person. For example:

Use gay men or lesbians, not homosexuals

Never use normal if you are making a comparison, and be balanced. If you refer to a same-sex couple, refer in turn to a heterosexual couple and not a mixed couple or an ordinary couple. For example:

no reason to suggest an application by a same-sex couple...treated any differently than an application by an unmarried heterosexual couple...

11 Using Irish

Use Irish for terms which are generally referred to by their Irish name. For example:

Use the Taoiseach, not the Prime Minister

Use Met Éireann, not the Irish National Meteorological Service

Remember your audience. Readers, whether international or domestic, may not always be familiar with Irish terms. Explain the term the first time you use it. For example:

gaelscoileanna (schools where subjects are taught through Irish)

Give the phonetic pronunciation for Irish terms in explanatory topics where these terms are discussed in depth, such as in the structures of an Irish government. For example:

The Tanaiste (pronounced tawn-ish-ta) is Ireland's Vice-Taoiseach or Vice- Prime Minister.

In an online document, insert a link where possible to a topic that explains the term in more depth. Even if there is a link topic, give a brief explanation on the same page in any case as not every reader will want to follow up on a possibly lengthy aside. For example: Bunreacht na hEireann (the Irish Constitution).

When referring to organisations with Irish names, do not give the literal translation if this does not explain the function of the organisation. For example:

Teagasc is the National Agriculture and Food Development Authority, not instruction or teaching

If an organisation is referred to by both its English and Irish name, use whichever is better known with the alternative in brackets on first use. For example:

An Bord Altranais (The Nursing Board)

the Adoption Board (An Bord Uchtála)

The or An

Use An if it is part of the official name of an organisation. For example:

An Garda Sióchána (the Irish police force), An Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board)

Use the before other Irish terms which occur in everyday language. For example:

Use the Taoiseach, not An Taoiseach

Use the Gardaí, not na Gardaí

Use the Dáil, not An Dáil

12 Lists

Use lists to "arrange and present related elements of text in a form that is easy for the reader to grasp" (R. M. Ritter, The Oxford Style Manual). This section gives guidelines for selecting the most appropriate type of list arrangement in different circumstances. It also gives advice on how to present the information clearly in a manner that is easy to follow.

There are a number of different conventions for punctuating lists. These are complex; they can be confusing for the writer and distracting for the reader. The punctuation rules below present a single straightforward approach aimed at clarity and consistency.

Use a table for complex numerical data which is too complicated for a list, especially if it involves comparisons. See Tables for more on this.

Lists within sentences

Use a list within a sentence to present a short series of words or brief phrases.

Use commas to separate the list items. Punctuate the sentence as normal. See Punctuation. For example:

Examples of controlled substances are cannabis, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines.

Do not insert a comma before the final and unless the comma is required to avoid ambiguity. See Comma.

Use the semicolon to separate list items if any of the items contain commas. See Semicolon.

Vertical lists

Use a vertical list to present a series of several items or a series of longer, more complex items. For example:

You are disqualified from jury service if you:

Have been convicted of a serious offence in Ireland
Have ever been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of five years or more
Have, within the last 10 years, been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more
Are not an Irish citizen

Bullets in vertical lists

Use bullets if the order of the items is not significant, as in the example above.

Use numbers or letters if the order of the items is significant, such as a series of instructions or a series of sequential steps. For example:

To become a fully qualified driver, you need to:

Pass the theory test
Obtain a provisional licence
Pass the driving test

Punctuation in vertical lists

Use an introductory phrase for each list. End the phrase with a colon and follow it with one line space.

Use an initial capital at the start of each list item.

Do not use a full stop at the end of a list item which is not a complete sentence, as in the examples above.

Use a full stop at the end of a list item which is a complete sentence, or consists of more than one complete sentence. For example:

To ensure that this happens, you need to do two things:

Give your employer your PPS Number. This number is your unique personal identification number for public services in Ireland. Your employer then lets your tax office know that you have started work and that they are your employers.
Apply for a Certificate of Tax Credits. You need to complete an application form to do this (called Form 12A). You can ask your employer for a Form 12A and they can tell you to which tax office your completed form should be sent.

Note the use of embedded headings in this example. Set embedded headings in bold.

Be consistent with full stops. That is, within each list, either none of the list items should end with a full stop, or all of the list items should end with a full stop.

Parallelism in vertical lists

Ensure that all list items are parallel as far as possible. That is, the items should match the introductory phrase and should be the same type of word or phrase, such as a noun phrase or a verb phrase. Parallelism applies to vertical lists and to lists within sentences.

For example, in the first version of the list below, the items are not parallel; they do not all match the introductory phrase and they are not all the same type of phrase. The items have been made parallel in the second version of the list:

Labels on pre-packaged food must display the:

Name of the food
The net quantity in metric units
A Best Before date
Listing the ingredients
Giving special storage instructions
When the product was manufactured
If it is packaged in a modified atmosphere

Labels on pre-packaged food must display:

The name of the food
The net quantity in metric units
The Best Before date
The list of ingredients
Any special storage instructions
The date of manufacture
Whether the food is packaged in a modified atmosphere

In the following example of a parallel list, each item begins with an embedded heading set in bold, followed by a consistently phrased explanation:

Two types of power of attorney are allowed under Irish law:

General power of attorney - this ceases when the donor becomes incapacitated
Enduring power of attorney - this takes effect when the donor becomes incapacitated

In the following example of a parallel list, each list item is an instruction which begins with the imperative (the command form of the verb). This is the preferred way to write instructions.

To calculate your tax liability:

Take your total income after you pay your superannuation contributions and after any other allowances you may have.

Apply the standard rate of tax to the appropriate standard rate band as given on your Certificate of Tax Credits.

Apply the top rate of tax to the rest of your income.

Add b and c.

Subtract the tax credits to which you are entitled. This leaves you with the amount of tax you have to pay.

Logical relationships in lists

In each list, the items are logically related: there is an and relationship or an or relationship. In most lists, like the examples above, this relationship is self-evident and does not need to be stated explicitly.

In some lists, however, it is necessary to show explicitly the logical relationship between the items. In general, it is best to clarify this in the introductory phrase. For example:

If you are not Irish, you will need to produce evidence of your Irish address and one of the following documents:

Your passport

Your national identity card

Your immigration card

If the logical relationship cannot be clarified in the introductory phrase, you can insert and or or at the end of the appropriate list items. Take care with this, however, as it can be difficult for the reader to follow and can cause ambiguity, as in the following example:

If you are not Irish, you will need to produce the following documents:

Your passport, or

Your national identity card, or

Your immigration card, and

Evidence of your Irish address

Grouping items in a list

"The ways of organising information are finite. It can only be organised by location, alphabet, time, category or hierarchy." (Richard Saul Warman, InformationAnxiety2)

This also applies to organising information in lists.

How you arrange the items in your list depends on your subject and the point you are trying to convey to your readers. For example:

If your list concerns how to make an application, arrange the items in chronological order (time).

If your list gives information on how to qualify for an allowance, arrange the items from the most important to the least important (hierarchy).

If the items in your list have no apparent hierarchy or do not appear to fall into any particular order, arrange the items alphabetically.

Lists within lists

In general, avoid creating lists within lists. They can be difficult to read, especially if they become broken over pages or screens. In particular, avoid creating multiple levels of sub-lists, that is, a list within a list within a list, and so on. It is generally better to create two simple lists rather than one complex list.

Where you feel that a list within a list would be useful for the reader, use the dash to introduce the sub-items. For example:

Discrimination is prohibited within employment. This applies to:

Conditions of employment, including dismissal
Training and experience
Promotion and re-grading
Classification of posts
Pay, where two people are doing like work. Like work occurs where:
- people perform the same work
- their work is of similar nature
- their work is different but of equal value

Avoid inserting more than one sub-list. The meaning of the main list can become lost and readers do not usually want all the information on a subject, only the details that are relevant for them.

Some topics are complex. For example, the qualifying conditions for some social welfare allowances may involve a number of further sub-sets of qualifying conditions. In these situations, use the following guidelines:

Break up your lists and put them under topic headings.
Treat your first list like the topic sentence in a paragraph: that is, put the most important list first. This is usually a summary of the main points for the entire topic.
Use cross-references or links to point the reader to the sub-lists that give further related details. Let the readers decide if they want to follow up.

The example below deals with the qualifying conditions for the National Fuel Allowance. It begins with two lists that summarise the rules covering qualification and non-qualification and highlights the difference by using embedded headings (setting the introductory phrases in bold). It uses cross-references to point readers to the sub- sets of qualifying conditions. It uses one link to a lengthy list of EU countries; this could be a footnote in a printed document.

The first list could contain three lengthy sub-lists: qualifying payments, dependent children and pensions from other countries. If these are inserted within the first list, readers who do not qualify will not discover this fact until they have read through all the qualifying conditions.

You may qualify for a fuel allowance if you meet all of the following requirements:

You are receiving a qualifying payment (see the list in 'Qualifying payments' below), or you are receiving secondary benefits while you are taking part in an employment or educational scheme.
You and other members of your household are unable to provide for your heating needs from your own resources.
You live alone, or only with - a dependent spouse/partner and/or dependent children (see 'Dependent children' below for the rules that apply here), or
- other people getting one of the qualifying payments who would also be eligible for a fuel allowance in their own right, or
- a person who gives you full-time care and attention if you have a disability or are semi-invalid, or
- person(s) getting short-term Jobseeker's Allowance.

You will not qualify for a fuel allowance if you are in one of the following situations:

Your heating needs are met under a deed transferring property
You live with someone who is not receiving one of the qualifying payments for the fuel allowance
In the case of payments that are not means tested, you and members of your household have a combined income of more than 100 euro per week or savings/investments of 58,000 euro or more above the appropriate maximum benefit/assistance rate

Qualifying payments

You may qualify for a fuel allowance if you are receiving one of the following benefits and you meet the other requirements listed above:

State Pension (Contributory) or State Pension (Non-Contributory)
State Pension (Transition)
Widow's or Widower's (Contributory) Pension or Widow's or Widower's (Non-Contributory) Pension
Incapacity Supplement under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme

Blind Pension
Invalidity Pension
Disability Allowance
Deserted Wife's Benefit or Allowance
One-Parent Family Payment
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) or Guardian's Payment (Non- Contributory)
Farm Assist
Pre-Retirement Allowance
Prisoner's Wife's Allowance
Long-term Jobseeker's Allowance
Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance
Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Social Security Pension from an EE/EEA country or a country with whom Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement (see 'Pensions from other countries' below)
Special Department of Defence Allowance

Dependent children

A child may be regarded as a dependant until the age of 18 or 22 if he or she is in full-time education.

Your child may still be regarded as a dependant if he or she turns 18 while in full-time education and you are receiving one of these short-term social welfare payments:

Jobseeker's Allowance (for less than 15 months)
Jobseeker's Benefit
Illness Benefit
Supplementary Welfare Allowance

In this situation, your child will remain a dependant until the following 30 June or until he or she has completed full-time education, whichever is earlier.

Pensions from other countries

If you are getting a pension/benefit or equivalent payment from a country covered by EU Regulations or a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement, you may qualify for a fuel allowance provided you:

Satisfy the qualifying conditions mentioned above, and

Are resident in Ireland, and

Are aged 66 or over, or are under the age of 66 and have been receiving an invalidity pension/benefit or an equivalent payment from another country for over 12 months.

Ireland has bilateral social security arrangements with:

Australia
Austria
Canada
New Zealand
Quebec
Switzerland
United States of America

13 Tables

Use tables to present numerical data that is too complex to be explained clearly in a list or in normal text. Tables can be particuarly useful if you are making comparisons. A table should have at least two columns and two rows, not including the column headings.

See 'Accessible writing' in Writing for the Web for guidelines on making tables accessible to users of assistive technologies.

The examples at the end of this section highlight the main guidelines discussed below.

Headings

Tables should be self-explanatory but they still need to be introduced and linked to the rest of the text. This applies whether they appear in the middle of a section or at the back of a publication.

Introduce a table with either one or more introductory sentences or a heading. Do not use an introductory phrase followed by a colon.

Set a table heading in bold, capitalise the first letter and any proper names, and do not use punctuation at the end of the line such as a full stop or colon.

Identify each column with a suitable heading. Capitalise the first letter and any proper names and do not use a full stop at the end. In printed publications, set each column heading in bold. When comparing data, make column headings as similar as possible.

Abbreviations

Avoid lengthy text strings. These are awkward to read and they make columns excessively wide. They can also cause problems for users of assistive technologies. Make column headings and text entries as concise as possible. However, do not resort to shortened words or use abbreviations which could be incomprehensible to the reader. For example:

Shorten Annual accumulated interest to Annual interest, not Ann. accum. int.

Shorten Rate of stamp duty to Stamp duty, not Rate stmp dty

Well-known abbreviations are acceptable, such as N/A for not applicable or min. for minimum. If you use an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a phrase, make sure that you have previously introduced it. (See Example 1 below.)

Other guidelines

Other general rules on tables are as follows:

Use numerals in tables, but not in column headings.
Spell out currency units, except in printed publications where the symbol may be used.
Align text to the left.
Align a column of numerals to the right.

Insert any footnotes directly below the table. Use an asterisk if there is only one footnote; use numerals if there is more than one.
Do not mix formats. Within the same section, use a series of tables to display the same type of data rather than mix tables with lists.
Be consistent with plurals. If the column heading is singular, use the singular form in the rows beneath.
Avoid tables which fill more than one screen or printed page. If the table breaks onto the following page, repeat the column headings.

Example 1

In this example, the table follows the guidelines outlined above. It is introduced by a couple of sentences that explain the abbreviations. The column headings are set in bold. The text is aligned left with an initial capital at the start. All vehicle types are singular. Footnotes are numbered as there is more than one.

Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is based on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) of the vehicle. The table below describes how VRT is calculated. Engines sizes are measured in cubic centimetres (cc).

Vehicle type	Engine size	VRT
Car	Up to 1400cc	22.5% of OMSP1 (min. 315 euro)
Car	1401-2000cc	25% of OMSP (min. 315 euro)
Car	Over 2000cc	30% of OMSP (min. 315 euro)
Small van or jeep	-	30% of OMSP (min. 125 euro)
Motorcycle (new)	-	2 euro up to 350cc, then 1 euro per cc
Motorcycle (used)	-	2 euro up to 350cc, then 1 euro per cc
Hybrid electric vehicle2	-	50% of VRT due may be repaid
Other vehicle	-	50 euro flat rate for tractors, large vans, lorries, and so on

OMSP depends on market values, the engine size, year, model, and roadworthiness of the vehicle. A Vehicle Registration Office official inspects the vehicle to determine its OMSP.
A hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle that gets its power from a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. It is capable of being driven on electric propulsion alone for a material part of its normal driving cycle.

Example 2

The first version of the table below follows some of the guidelines for creating tables: it uses headings and numerals for numbers, and text is aligned left.

The annual tax exemption limits for 2006 are outlined in the table below:

Status	Aged under 65	Aged 65+
Single/Widowed persons	5,210 euro	17,000 euro
Married couple	10,420 euro	34,000 euro
1st 2 children	575 euro each	575 euro each
Subsequent children	830 euro each	830 euro each
Subsequent children	830 euro each	830 euro each

The table could present the data more effectively. The second and third column could contain numerals only, rather than a mix of numerals and text. Greater parallelism in the headings of the second and third column would reinforce the comparison between the two columns. For example:

The annual tax exemption limits for 2006 are outlined in the table below (amounts are in euro).

Status	Aged under 65	Aged over 65
Single/Widowed person	5,210	17,000
Married couple	10,420	34,000
1st and 2nd child (each)	575	575
Subsequent child (each)	830	830

14 References

This section sets out the style rules for:

References to publications and legislation
Cross-references to topics which are explained more fully elsewhere or in another section of the same publication
Bibliographies and further reading sections
Quotations

Referring to publications

Titles

In printed material such as booklets, italicise the entire title.

In online material:

Italicise a reference to the title of a publication.
Do not italicise a link to a publication. Highlight the title, and no other text, when you create the link.

In general, capitalise the first word and all the main words of a title and subtitle. Do not capitalise conjunctions, prepositions, articles or pronouns. For example:

Staying Power: A Colloquium on Increasing Retention Roles in Higher Education (published in 2000 by the National Council for Guidance in Education)...

Subtitles

In general, use a colon to separate the subtitle from the main title and capitalise as usual. Check your source material. If it uses another format, such as a dash, use that format and not a colon.

Articles within other publications, papers from a conference

This usually applies to bibliographies in longer documents such as social policy reports. Italicise the title of the publication. Insert single quotation marks around the title of the chapter or paper. Do not italicise the title of the chapter or paper. For example:

'Counting Disability' in Albrecht, G. L., K. D. Seelman and M. Bury Handbook of Disability Studies.

Use the format in the source material

Use the rules above for creating your own documents and as the default format. However, check and use the exact title as given in the source material. This applies even if the format disagrees with elements of our house style, such as the general rules on punctuation and capitalisation. For example:

Correct: Disability and Equality - How far towards equality?

Incorrect: Disability and Equality: How far towards Equality?

Publishing organisations

Most references in public service information are to publications produced by organisations. These publications generally do not have a named author.

When you refer to such a publication, it is sufficient to give only the organisation name (referred to as the publishing organisation below). You must, however, make the contact details of the organisation available somewhere in your own publication, perhaps in a contact list.

Name the publishing organisation in online references which are not links and in references which occur in printed material.

In running text, insert the details of the publishing organisation before or after the title. Separate the title from the source with a dash or parentheses. For example, all of the following are acceptable:

Managing the Stress of Separation and Divorce - a leaflet published recently in Ireland by Family Mediation Services

Managing the Stress of Separation and Divorce (a leaflet published recently in Ireland by Family Mediation Services)

A leaflet published recently in Ireland by Family Mediation Services (Managing the Stress of Separation and Divorce)

It is not necessary to repeat the name of the publishing organisation if you are already discussing the organisation which produced the publication.

Online, the reader can link to a document so it is not always necessary to refer to the publisher. For example:

in accordance with the recently published Needs Assessment on Palliative Care for Children

Named authors

In running text, insert the name of the author when making a general reference to a publication or quoting an extract. It is not always necessary to name the publication title as long as you include a bibliography. Nor is it necessary to include the date in running text unless this author has more than one publication listed in your bibliography.

Page references

In booklets and other printed publications, avoid cross-references to specific pages. These are costly to implement as they require rechecking each time the publication is reset during the typesetting process. They are also easy to overlook. Refer to a section or chapter instead if possible.

Reserve page references for bibliographies. Use numerals. Use a dash if you are giving a range of pages. Do not abbreviate page to p.p. or p. For example:

Use page 23, not p.23

Use pages 50-58, not Pages 50 to 58 or p.p. 50-58

Cross-references

Cross-references indicate where to find additional information on a specific topic, either elsewhere in the same document or in a different one. Going to another page or site to find the information in a cross-reference requires effort on the reader's part. Before you insert a cross-reference, check that the information is useful, relevant and worth the effort.

Do not insert a cross-reference:

If you can repeat the important details quickly and simply on the same page.
If the information is essential to understand the topic. Give the necessary details even if this means repetition. (In these situations, you can give a summary of the main points and then insert a cross-reference to the source where the reader can find further information.)

If the information is on the same page or within a few pages, use above, below or following as appropriate to help the reader find the reference quickly. Do not insert a link in online text in these situations. Instead, surround the relevant section heading with single quotation marks. For example: See 'How to apply' below

For further guidelines on how to insert and write links for online topics, see 'Applying writing guidelines' in Writing for the Web.

Inserting cross-references in printed documents

Italicise the title of a subheading or chapter, appendix, document or other publication in a cross-reference.

Capitalise terms such as chapter, appendix, section, figure or table, only if they are followed by a number or letter. Do not capitalise page. For example:

See Appendix A for further details on...

See the appendix on tax credits for more information on...

See pages 41-43 for details on how to apply for entitlements to...

In general, avoid giving page references in booklets and other printed documents; see Page references above for more on this.

Cross-references break the flow of a document. Introduce them with clear direct phrases to minimise the interruption. For example:

For further information on work permits, see Section 6.

If you have not previously given any information on the subject, use phrases which help the reader to decide whether the information may be useful. For example:

Maternity benefit is paid for 18 weeks. For information on payment rates, see...

Referring to legislation

Use the short title of an Act when referring to it in your writing. Always give the date and any particulars such as an Amendment. Follow the format used in the source material for capitalisation and date ranges. Do not insert a comma before the date. For example:

the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997

the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994-2001

the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003

Capitalise Act, Amendment, Bill, Article, Regulation, Directive and Statutory Instrument, even in non-specific contexts. Refer to sections in lower case unless the word is at the beginning of a sentence, but use Section 11 of the X Act if referring to a specific section. For example:

When the Dáil passes the Bill...

The Act may become law...

When citing EU Directives, provide the full reference number. For example: EU Directive 92/43/EEC.

Refer to sections of Acts and Statutory Instruments in parentheses. For example:

The Statutory Instrument (SI 5 of 1998) must be signed in the presence of a peace commissioner.

Refer precisely to the law relating to your case (see Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992).

Quotations

Take care with quotations. Always give the source. (see 'Copyright' in Writing for the Web). If you are unsure of the exact quotation, use indirect speech instead.

Use quotations sparingly when writing public service information. We recommend using your own words rather than a quoted extract.

Embedded quotations

An embedded quotation is a quotation inserted in a paragraph. It runs on naturally in the flow of the text and may be a word or phrase, or as much as a couple of sentences. If your quotation takes up more than five lines, treat it as an extract.

Use double quotation marks to enclose an embedded quotation and apply punctuation as in any sentence. For instance, capitalise the start of the quotation only if it starts the sentence or if the first word is a proper noun. For example:

A notice must be clearly visible where electrical items are sold stating that the "prices of these items include contributions to a producer recycling fund to ensure that waste electrical and electronic equipment is collected and recycled in a responsible manner". (Fourth Schedule, SI 340/2005)

The Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) must not bring into law any legislation which is "repugnant" to the Constitution (Article 15.4 of the Constitution of Ireland).

Extracts

Break off your quotation from the surrounding text if it takes up more than four lines or does not fit naturally into the surrounding text. This type of quotation is known as an extract or displayed quotation. In an online quoted extract:

Use a colon to introduce the quotation
Insert a line space before and after the quoted extract
Enclose the extract with double quotation marks (including any final punctuation such as a full stop)

For example:

In 2004 the Irish Medical Council produced a Guide to Ethical Conduct and Behaviour. The following extract regarding patients who are dying is taken from this publication:

"Where death is imminent, it is the responsibility of the doctor to take care that the sick person dies with dignity, in comfort, and with as little suffering as possible. In these circumstances a doctor is not obliged to initiate or maintain a treatment which is futile or disproportionately burdensome. Deliberately causing the death of a patient is professional misconduct. "

A further example:

Section 14 of the Public Order Offence Act defines riot as:

"Where -

12 or more persons who are present together at any place (public or private) use or threaten to use unlawful violence for a common purpose, and

the conduct of these persons, taken together, is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at that place to fear for his or another person's safety."

15 Common errors

A and an

Pronunciation, not spelling, is the guideline for deciding whether you should put a or an before a word.

Use an before words beginning with a vowel sound. Otherwise, use a. For example:

a benefit

an allowance

a hospital

an hour

a European trend

an EU trend

a UN resolution

See also A, an and the with abbreviations and acronyms.

Agreement - singular and plural

Use a singular verb with a singular subject; use a plural verb with a plural subject. In most sentences this is quite clear, but there are troublesome cases. For example:

The Citizens Information Board provides advocacy (singular)

The Board of Management has responsibility (singular)

The members of the board decide today (plural)

Neither the pet nor its owner is allowed (singular)

Every one of the patients in the two wards was vaccinated (singular)

Each of the employers and employees in the schemes is entitled (singular)

None of the prisoners was released (singular)

The size of the imported cars and their trailers is recorded (singular)

Collective nouns

Collective nouns describe a group. Examples are number, committee, family, couple, public and staff. These nouns can take a singular or a plural verb depending upon the context. In general, if you write about the group acting as a unit, use a singular verb. If you write about the group acting as individuals, use a plural verb. For example:

A council does not decide on rates or borrow money... (singular verb; the council is acting as a unit)

The council are meeting the Taoiseach... (plural verb; council members are acting individually)

The number of social welfare benefits has increased... (singular verb; this is about the

A number of social welfare benefits and grants are available following a death... (plural verb; this is about the benefits and grants which are available individually)

But

If a couple foster a child, they are entitled to... (plural verb; the couple may be acting as a unit but we always refer to a couple as they, not it)

Where a couple are taxed at different rates... (plural verb; the couple are acting individually)

This is a tricky area. The Economist Style Guide notes "there is no firm rule" and that "it is best to go with the sense."

Compound nouns

A compound noun is made up of two or more words. There are two types: open compound nouns and closed compound nouns. A closed compound noun is one word such as workforce. An open compound noun is a phrase which may or may not be joined by a hyphen. Examples of an open compound noun are sister-in-law, and attorney general. Difficulties usually only arise with open compound nouns.

Plurals

Closed compound nouns generally form the plural in the usual way by adding s to the end of the complete word. For example: stockmarkets, watchdogs. Compound words ending in -f ul can vary. For example: use either spoonfuls or spoonsful; spoonfuls is probably more widespread.

To form the plural of open compound nouns, adds s to to the word that becomes plural. For example:

Use fathers-in-law, not father-in-laws

Use secretaries general, not secretary generals

Use doctors of philosophy, not doctor of philosophies

Possessive

With a singular compound noun, add 's at the end of the word or phrase to form the singular possessive. This applies whether the compound noun is closed (one word) or open (a phrase). For example:

policymaker's brief, son-in-law's rights, attorney general's recommendation

With a plural compound noun, add s' to the end of the word or phrase unless the result appears too awkward. With compound phrases (open compound nouns), it is better to use of instead of the apostrophe. For example:

Use policymakers' decisions

Use decisions of the attorneys general, not attorneys general's decisions

Dangling modifiers

A dangling modifier is a phrase which usually occurs at the beginning of a sentence. It should describe (or modify) what follows in the sentence but causes confusion instead because it is unclear to which word or phrase the dangling modifier is referring. For example:

Correct: Being in breach of the law, a trader can be prosecuted by the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Incorrect: Being in breach of the law, the Director of Consumer Affairs can prosecute a trader.

In the incorrect version, it appears that the Director of Consumer Affairs is in breach of the law.

The general rule is that the word or phrase being modified should follow directly after the modifier.

Pronouns

A pronoun is a short word that is used in place of a noun or noun phrase. The noun or noun phrase is called the antecedent of the pronoun. Examples of pronouns are it, this, that, those, these, him, her and them.

Ensure that each pronoun has a true antecedent. For example:

Correct: Figures show that when penalty points were introduced, drivers became more careful.

Incorrect: Figures show that when penalty points were introduced, they became more careful.

In the incorrect version, the pronoun they has no true antecedent.

Ensure that there is no ambiguity about the antecedent. For example:

Correct: Mr Jones told Mr Smith that Mr Smith was to be reported for bullying.

Correct: Mr Jones told Mr Smith that he (Mr Jones) was to be reported for bullying.

Incorrect: Mr Jones told Mr Smith that he was to be reported for bullying.

In the incorrect version, it is not clear whether the antecedent of the pronoun he refers to Mr Jones or Mr Smith.

See also he/she, his/her and they for the use of the appropriate pronoun when the term is not gender specific.

Words that can cause problems

Affect and effect

Affect means change or influence; it usually occurs as a verb. Effect means result or cause; it usually occurs as a noun. For example:

He tried to affect the jury's decision. The only effect was that he got put in jail.

Alternate and alternative

Alternate indicates in turn or every other. It does not imply choice. For example:

In a job-sharing agreement, you and your co-worker may arrange to work alternate weeks.

Alternative means choosing between two options. Increasingly, it has come to mean other. For example:

People who cannot attend their local polling station can make an alternative voting arrangement.

Among and between

Between indicates an equal relationship. It can refer to two or more entities. For example:

The treaty was negotiated between all the European governments.

Among suggests a more collective and vague arrangement within a group. For example:

There is disagreement among committee members...

Do not use amongst.

Amount and number

Use amount for quantities such as money and food. Use number for groups of individuals or items which can be counted separately such as people, things and countries.

As, because and since

Use as or because to introduce a reason. Note that it is not wrong to start a sentence with because. For example:

Many pensioners do not have to pay tax because their income is too low.

As adoption is a complex legal process, it is helpful to be aware of the law.

Because adoption is a complex legal process, it is helpful to be aware of the law.

Use asto introduce something which occurs at the same time. For example:

As the examination dates draw near, you may begin to feel anxious.

Use since to mean from that time. For example:

Since 3 April 2006, it has been illegal to...

Using since instead of because can result in ambiguity. For example:

Clear: It has been illegal to smoke in the workplace since March 2004.

Ambiguous: There is a ban on smoking in the workplace since it is bad for your health.

Appendix 1: Glossary of terms

This glossary sets out preferred terms as at 1 May 2007.

Term	How to use it
accession state(s)	Definition: country with formal candidate status to the EU (for example, Croatia) Use: only in the context of the above
age	Definition: maturity, legal age, adulthood Use: older people Never use: elderly people
annual leave	Definition: entitlement to time off work set down in law Use:annual leave Don't use: holidays (except in the context of travel a oad)
asylum seeker	Definition: person recognised as an asylum seeker under the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees Use: for those seeking recognition as a refugee under the above convention Note: do not confuse with refugees or people granted leave to remain.
by-law(s)	Definition: rule made by local authority to regulate own affairs Use: by-law Don't use: bye-law
Catholic	Definition: member of the Catholic Church Use: Roman Catholic (initial capitals)
cent	Definition: basic unit of euro, 1/100 value of euro Use: cent for singular and plural
childcare	Definition: caring for or supervising minor children Use: childcare (one word) Don't use: child care, except for referring to legislation as in the Child Care Act 2001
childminder	Definition: a person providing care for, or supervision of, minors Use: childminder (one word) Don't use: child minder
children	Definition: legally, these are minors under 18 years Use: children for under 16s, young people for those aged 16 and 17
Church of Ireland	Definition: member of the Church of Ireland Use: Church of Ireland Don't use: Protestant, C of I
clawback	Definition: the practice of taking back money (usually tax relief) Use: clawback (one word) for the noun, as in a Revenue clawback Use: claw back (two words) for the verb to claw back
cohabiting	Definition: living with another as husband and wife Use: cohabit Don't use: co-habit
commercial state agency	Definition: state agency whose aims include making profits, paying dividends and financing new investment. Examples include Aer Lingus and Bord na Móna. Use: state agency (lower case)
court	Definition: official forum for adjudicating legal disputes Use: court (lower case) for general references. Use Court (initial capital) for specific examples such as District Court, Circuit Court.
creche	Definition: building providing supervised childcare for limited periods during the day Use: creche Don't use: crèche
Dáil Éireann	Definition: lower house of the Oireachtas Use: Dáil Éireann for the first mention. Use the Dáil after this. Explain the term in English if you think it may be unfamiliar to some readers.
day care	Definition: childcare during the day by a non-parent or guardian, or daily social and rehabilitative services for older people or those with disabilities Use: day care (two words)
dead	Definition: person who is not living Use: deceased person, or the deceased Never use: dead person
deaf	Definition: deaf, hard of hearing, hearing impaired (as appropriate) Use: above term (lower case) as appropriate. Use upper case D for Deaf community, Deaf people. Never use: deaf and dumb, mute
Department of Social and Family Affairs	Definition: government department responsible for administering social insurance and social assistance schemes Use: Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) for the first reference in each section. Limit the use of DSFA for repeated references within the section. Use Department occasionally, but only if this does not cause ambiguity.
disability	Definition: a physical or intellectual impairment that may restrict ability Use: disability, person with a disability, disabled people Never use: handicapped, the disabled
dole	Definition: welfare payment to unemployed people Use: Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance, as appropriate Don't use: dole, Unemployment Benefit, Unemployment Assistance
E111	Definition: previous name for the European Health Insurance Card Use: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Don't use: E111
e or e-	Definition: an ab eviation introducing electronic terms (sometimes hyphenated, sometimes not) Use: e-banking, e-bulletin, e-business, e-commerce, e-voting Use: eGovernment, email (see email below)
education	Definition: The Irish education system consists of primary education, post-primary education, third-level education and further education. Further education is education and training that takes place after post-primary education but is not part of the third-level system. See primary, post-primary, third level.
elderly	See older people.
email	Definition: electronic mail Use: email Don't use: e-mail, E-mail, EMAIL
employment permit	Definition: general term for work permits, Green Cards and spousal or dependant work permits Use: employment permit for the general reference. Use the actual permit name when referring to a specific type of permit.
European Health Insurance Card	Definition: card that entitles you to reduced-cost (or free) medical treatment necessary while on a temporary visit or stay in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland Use: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Don't use: E111
Garda, Gardaí	Definition: member(s) of An Garda Síochána Use: Garda, Gardaí or garda, gardaí (see 'Titles and jobs' in Capitalisation for an explanation) Use: An Garda Síochána for the official title. Use the Gardaí for the collective group. Use Garda station, not garda station. Do not use: guard
Government	Definition: body of persons authorised to exercise power on behalf of the State Use: Government (initial capital) for the current Irish Government. Use government (lower case) for general references, government department, foreign and past governments. (See Capitalisation for more on this.)
health board	Definition: pre-2005 administrative area for delivery of public health services Use: Health Service Executive (HSE) or Local Health Office as appropriate Never use: health board
health centre	Definition: health centres deliver a wide range of primary and community care services in towns and villages throughout Ireland. They can include the following services: GP, social work, public health nursing, child health and home help. Use: health centre (lower case) Never use: centre, hc, Health Centre, dispensary Note: do not confuse with the network of 32 Local Health Offices.
Health Service Executive	Definition: statutory organisation that provides health and personal social services for everyone living in Ireland. Services are provided through a network of 32 Local Health Offices and delivered through local health centres. Use: Health Service Executive (HSE) for the first reference. Use HSE after this. Or, use Local Health Office where it is appropriate. Never use: health board
holidays	Definition: leave, time off, a eak, vacation. The term can also mark a national day such as a public holiday. Use: only when referring to recreational time off or travel Note: do not confuse holiday with annual leave or bank holiday or public holiday.
ill, illness	Definition: condition impairing normal physical or mental function Use: illness when referring to specific welfare benefits (for example Illness Benefit) and non-specific medical conditions. Use sick leave when referring to leave taken while ill. Never use: illness leave, sick benefits, sick pay
immigrants	Definition: people who leave their country to settle in another Use: foreign nationals, migrant workers, EU/EEA nationals, dependants of EU/EEA nationals, as appropriate
intellectual disability	Definition: "A person is considered to have an intellectual disability when the following factors are present: general intellectual functioning is significantly below average; significant deficits exist in adaptive skills and the condition is present from childhood (18 years or under)." Intellectual Disability: Causes and Prevention (Inclusion Ireland) Use: intellectual disability in general references. Where possible, refer to the specific disability. Use special educational needs when referring to education. Never use: handicapped, mentally handicapped Note: intellectual disability is the formal term used in international research circles and also by the Department of Health and Children. See also learning difficulty, special educational needs.
judge	Definition: appointed official who presides before a court Use: judge (lower case) unless inserting the term before someone's name (for example, Judge Macken)
learning difficulty	Definition: "a condition or malfunction which results in a person learning differently from someone without that condition or malfunction" (Section 2, Equal Status Act 2000) Use: the particular difficulty where possible (for example, children with dyslexia, people with autism). Prefer learning difficulty to learning disability. Never use: handicap, mentally handicapped See also intellectual disability, learning disability.
learning disability	Definition: condition or disorder that causes difficulty with skills such as comprehension, cognisance, reading and writing. This term describes the oad range of intellectual disabilities - from mild to considerable, enduring disabilities. Use: prefer learning difficulty when referring to the conditions above. For other general references, prefer intellectual disability to learning disability. Use special educational needs when referring to the educational or learning requirements. Never use: handicapped, mentally handicapped See also intellectual disability, learning difficulty, special educational needs.
leave to remain	Definition: discretionary permission to remain in Ireland (usually on humanitarian grounds) for those who fail the requirements for refugee status or withdraw from the asylum process Use: leave to remain (lower case) Note: do not confuse with refugees or asylum seekers.
local authority	Definition: administrative anch of local government. The term applies to county, city, borough and town councils. Use: local authority (lower case), as in local authority housing Don't use: county council, CoCo
Local Health Office	Definition: one of the national network of 32 Health Service Executive (HSE) Local Health Offices Use: Local Health Office (initial capitals) when referring to any of the 32 Local Health Offices. Use Health Service Executive (HSE) when referring to the national organisation. Never use: health board Note: do not confuse with health centre.
lo-call	Definition: telephone calls at local rates, irrespective of location Use: lo-call (lower case) for general references, Lo-call (upper case L) before a specific number Don't use: Lo call, Locall, LoCall
minister	Definition: politician at the head of a government department Use: Minister (initial capital) for members of the current Irish Government. Otherwise, use lower case. (See 'Titles and jobs' in Capitalisation for more on this.)
nationality	Definition: legal relationship between a person and country Use: initial capital for specific nationalities and ethnic groups (Irish, English, French, and so on)
non-nationals	Definition: non-Irish nationals Use: foreign nationals, EU nationals, non-EU nationals, migrant workers and so on, depending on the context Never use: non-national
Oireachtas	Definition: includes the President and both houses of the Oireachtas (Dáil and Seanad) Use: the Oireachtas when referring to the above collectively. Explain the term in English if is not clear from the context.
older people	Definition: generally refers to those over 60, senior citizens, those approaching retirement age Use: older people (lower case) Never use: elderly, the elderly, elderly people, old people
ombudsman	Definition: statutory office and/or person who investigates complaints Use: ombudsman and ombudsmen (lower case) for general references. Use Ombudsman (initial capital) if referring to a specific person and the current holder of the title. Don't use: ombudsperson or ombudswoman
one-parent families	Definition: a lone parent with one or more dependent children resident or not-resident in the household Use: one-parent family payment for the social welfare benefit. Otherwise, avoid this phrase. Prefer lone parents, parenting alone or solo parenting.
parental leave	Definition: statutory unpaid leave for either parent Use: parental leave (lower case)
paternal leave or paternity leave	Definition: non-statutory unpaid leave from employment for male employees following the birth of their child Use: paternal leave, paternity leave (lower case)
pay	Definition: wage or money given in exchange for goods and services Use: pay, in preference to salary or wage
post-primary	Definition: general term for second-level (public or private) education directly following primary school. The term oadly describes the five different types of second-level institutions: vocational schools, comprehensive schools, secondary schools, community schools and community colleges. Use: post-primary education, post-primary level (note the hyphen) Don't use: post-primary school; use secondary school or the other relevant name. Do not use 2nd level or second level. See also education.
pre-school	Definition: nursery school for children under five years Use: pre-school Don't use: preschool, pre school
primary	Definition: general term for first-level (public or private) education Use: primary, as in primary school Don't use: first level, 1 st level
prison	Definition: a secure place where offenders are held Use: prison Don't use: jail or gaol
pupil	Definition: school child below 13 years of age Use: pupil for those in primary school, student for those in post- primary and third-level institutions
refugee	Definition: this may be a convention refugee, defined under the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees and the Refugee Act 1966 (as amended). Alternatively, the term may refer to a programme refugee invited to Ireland following a government decision arising from a UN humanitarian request. Use: programme refugees or convention refugees Note: do not confuse with asylum seekers or people granted leave to remain.
Revenue Commissioners	Definition: statutory body that collects taxes on behalf of the Government Use: Office of the Revenue Commissioners for the official title. Use Revenue Commissioners or Revenue for the collective group. Use: Revenue as an adjective in phrases such as a Revenue booklet
salary	Definition: amount an employer pays an employee for work completed, usually on a monthly basis Use: pay in preference to salary or wages
schools	Definition: educational institutions, normally primary or secondary Use: primary or secondary school as appropriate Don't use: post-primary school when referring to a second-level institution
self-employed	Definition: a person who is working for themselves Use: self-employed Don't use: self employed
sick	Definition: being unwell, affected by a disease or medical condition Use: sick leave, when describing such time off work. Use ill or illness when describing social welfare benefits such as Illness Benefit. Never use: sick benefits, sick pay, illness leave
social assistance payment	Definition: the general term for the range of social welfare payments available to those without sufficient PRSI contributions - for example, Carers Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance. These are means-tested payments and subject to habitual residency requirements. Use: the specific name of the payment unless making a general reference Don't use: means-tested payment as a general reference
social insurance payment	Definition: the general term for the range of social welfare benefit payments available to those with sufficient PRSI contributions: for example, Jobseeker's Benefit, Disability Benefit Use: social insurance payment for general references (for example, as a table heading) or as an explanation. Otherwise, use the specific name of the relevant payment.
social security payments	Definition: the general term for payments based on social insurance contributions made in another state with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement Use: social security payments, but explain what this means
social welfare local offices	Definition: the national network of social welfare offices Use: for local offices of the Department of Social and Family Affairs
social welfare payment	Definition: the general term covering all payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs Use: social welfare payment only if speaking generally. Otherwise, name the relevant payment.
special educational needs	Definition: specific facilities a person with an intellectual disability may need to avail of services and entitlements. See the note below. Use: special educational needs in preference to special needs (note educational, not education) Never use: handicapped, or mentally handicapped Note: only use this term in the context of describing the rights and entitlements of those with intellectual disability under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the specific services provided by Department of Education and Science covered by that Act. See also intellectual disability.
state agency	Definition: organisation that provides a public service but is usually independent and positioned outside the hierarchy of any government department Use: state agency (lower case)
state sponsored body	Definition: state body with powers and duties set by statute or ministerial authority. It may be a statutory corporation. Use: state agency Don't use: state sponsored body
statutory agency	Definition: state agency with a legislative basis Use: state agency. However, statutory agency may be used if you need to emphasise the legislative basis of an organisation.
student	Definition: person attending post-primary or third-level institution Use: student for secondary and third level, pupil for someone in primary school Note: learners can also be used as a generic term, but generally refers to those outside the formal primary or secondary school system.
suicide	Definition: to purposefully take own life Use: died by suicide Never use: committed suicide, killed themselves
Taoiseach	Definition: head of the Irish Government Use: the Taoiseach, in general references to the person currently in this position. Use An Taoiseach before the person's name. Use: taoiseach (lower case) when making a general reference to the role or referring to people who are no longer in the position (for example, a former taoiseach).
third level	Definition: education usually provided by universities and institutes of technology or equivalent bodies Use: third level in preference to higher level, as in third-level institution or third-level education (note the hyphen before a noun) Don't use: 3rd level
Travellers	Definition: members of the Travelling community Use: upper case T, as in Traveller community, Travelling families, Traveller families, Traveller children
website	Definition: "a collection of related web pages with the same owner " (The New Penguin Dictionary of Computing) Use: website (one word)
widow or widower	Definition: spouse of a deceased person Use: widowed person for the general reference, or widow or widower as appropriate (for example, Widowers Contributory Pension)
young people	Definition: youths aged between 16 and 18 years Use: young people for 1 6 and 17 year olds, children for under 16s

Appendix 2: Commonly used abbreviations

This appendix sets out preferred terms as at 1 May 2007. See Abbreviations for comprehensive guidelines on abreviations, acronyms and contractions.

Abbreviation	How to use it
AG	Full term: Office of the Attorney General Use: Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General Don't use: AG, the Attorney
AHEAD	Full term: Association for Higher Education Access and Disability Use: AHEAD
AIM	Full term: Action, Information Motivation. The organisation is commonly referred to as AIM or AIM Family Services. Use: AIM
am, pm	Full term: ante meridiem, post meridiem (before noon, after noon) Use: am or pm as in 5am or 11.30pm (lower case, no full stops, no space after the numerals)
APR	Full term: annual percentage rate Use: annual percentage rate (APR) for the first reference. Use APR after this.
BGE	Full term: Bord Gáis Éireann (supplier of gas services) Use: full term above, or Bord Gáis. Explain the organisation's function in English if these names may not be familiar to some readers. Don't use: BGE
BTEA	Full term: Back to Education Allowance (social welfare payment) Use: Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) for the first reference in each section. Use BTEA for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
BUPA	Full term: itish United Provident Association Use: Quinn Healthcare (formerly BUPA), for the Irish anch of this organisation Don't use: BUPA or the full term - these are of historical interest only
CAO	Full term: Central Applications Office Use: Central Applications Office (CAO) for the first reference. Use CAO after this.
CAT	Full term: Capital Acquisitions Tax Use: Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) for the first reference in each section. Use CAT for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CB	Full term: Child Benefit (a social welfare payment) Use: Child Benefit is the preferred term. Limit references to CB to avoid confusion with other benefits. Introduce CB alongside the full term before you use it.
CE	Full term: Community Employment (a social welfare scheme) Use: Community Employment Scheme (CE) for the first reference in each section. Use CE for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CER	Full term: Commission for Energy Regulation Use: Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) for the first reference in each section. Use CER for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CGT	Full term: Capital Gains Tax Use: Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for the first reference in each section. Use CGT for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CIB	Full term: Citizens Information Board Use: Citizens Information Board (CIB) for the first reference. Prefer the full name as this is a new title for the organisation. Don't use: CI Board, the Board, Board
CIC	Full term: Citizens Information Centre Use: Citizens Information Centre (CIC) for the first reference in each section. Use CIC for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CIÉ	Full term: Corás Iompair Éireann (public transport authority) Use: CIÉ. Explain the organisation's function in English if the term may not be familiar to some readers.
CIPS	Full term: Citizens Information Phone Service Use: Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) for the first reference in each section. Use CIPS for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CIS	Full term: Citizens Information Service Use: Citizens Information Service (CIS) for the first reference in each section. Use CIS for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
cm	Full term: centimetre Use: centimetre(s) for occasional occurrences. Use cm as in 25cm (lower case, no full stops, no spaces) for repeated sets of measurements, such as in tables and lists.
ComReg	Full term: Commission for Communications Regulation Use: Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) for the first reference. Use ComReg after this. Don't use: COMREG, Comreg
CPI	Full term: Consumer Price Index Use: Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the first reference in each section. Use CPI for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CRO	Full term: Companies Registration Office Use: Companies Registration Office (CRO) for the first reference in each section. Use CRO for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CTA	Full term: Common Travel Area (the legal term for the travel area between Ireland and the UK) Use: Common Travel Area (CTA) for the first reference in each section. Use CRO for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
CWO	Full term: Community Welfare Officer Use: Community Welfare Officer (CWO) for the first reference in each section. Use CWO for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
DA	Full term: Disability Allowance (a social welfare payment) Use: Disability Allowance is preferred. Limit references to DA to avoid confusion with other allowances. Introduce DA alongside the full term before you use it.
DCA	Full term: Domiciliary Care Allowance (HSE payment) Use: Domiciliary Care Allowance is preferred. Limit references to DCA to avoid confusion with other allowances. Introduce DCA alongside the full term before you use it.
DCMNR	Full term: Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Use: the full term above, where possible. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: Marine, the DCMNR
DCRGA	Full term: Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Use: the full term above, where possible. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: DCRGA
DEHLG	Full term: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Use: the full term above, where possible. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: Environment, or DEHLG
DES	Full term: Department of Education and Science Use: the full term above, where possible. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: Education, DES
DETE	Full term: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Use: the full term above, where possible. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: Enterprise, ETE, ENTEMP, DETE
DFA	Full term: Department of Foreign Affairs Use: the full term above, where possible. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: DFA, Foreign Affairs
DFI	Full term: Disability Federation of Ireland Use: Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) for the first reference in each section. Use DFI for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
DJELR	Full term: Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Use: the full term above, or Department of Justice. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: Justice, or DJELR
DOHC	Full term: Department of Health and Children Use: the full term above, or Department of Health. Alternatively, use the Department sparingly and only if it is clear which department you mean. Don't use: DOHC, DoHC, Health
DPS	Full term: Drugs Payment Scheme Use: Drugs Payment Scheme when describing the scheme. Use DPS Card when discussing the Card but only after you have given the full term first alongside the ab eviation.
DSFA	Full term: Department of Social and Family Affairs Use: Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) for the first reference in each section. Limit the use of DSFA for repeated references within the section. Use Department occasionally, but only if this does not cause ambiguity.
DTTS	Full term: Driver Theory Testing Service Use: Driver Theory Testing Service is preferred. Limit the use of DTTS and only use this after you have introduced it alongside the full term.
e or e-	Full term: electronic (sometimes hyphenated, sometimes not) Use: e-banking, e-business, e-bulletin, e-commerce, e-voting Use: eGovernment, email
EAT	Full term: Employment Appeals Tribunal Use: Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for the first reference in each section. Use EAT for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
EEA	Full term: European Economic Area Use: European Economic Area (EEA) for the first reference in each section. Use EEA for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
EFL	Full term: English as a Foreign Language Use: EFL (English as a Foreign Language) for the first reference. Use EFL after this.
EHIC	Full term: European Health Insurance Card Use: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the first reference in each section. Use EHIC for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
EPA	Full term: Environmental Protection Agency Use: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for the first reference. Use EPA after this.
ERO	Full term: Employment Regulation Order Use: Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the first reference. Use ERO after this.
ESB	Full term: Electricity Supply Board Use: ESB. This is widely understood, but give the full form if you think some readers may be unfamiliar with the ab eviation.
ESF	Full term: European Social Fund Use: European Social Fund (ESF) for the first reference in each section. Use ESF for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
EU	Full term: European Union Use: EU (European Union) for the first reference. Use EU after this.
FÁS	Full term: Foras Áiseanna Saothair (training and employment authority) Use: FÁS. Explain the function of the organisation in the first mention. Don't use: Training and Employment Authority
FETAC	Full term: Further Education and Training Awards Council Use: FETAC. Give the full term with the first mention if you think this information would be useful.
FOI	Full term: Freedom of Information Use: Freedom of Information (FOI) for the first reference. Use FOI after this.
FRC	Full term: Family Resource Centres Use: Family Resource Centres. Use Centres after this in the same section. Don't use: FRC
FSAI	Full term: Food Safety Authority of Ireland Use: Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) for the first reference. Use FSAI after this. Don't use: Food Safety Note: do not confuse with Safefood, a separate organisation.
FSRA	Full term: Financial Regulator Use: Financial Regulator Don't use: FSRA, Financial Services Regulatory Authority
GMS	Full term: General Medical Services (Payments) Board, now renamed as Primary Care Reimbursement Service Use: Primary Care Reimbursement Service (see this entry below) Never use: GMS
GNIB	Full term: Garda National Immigration Bureau Use: Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) for the first reference. Use GNIB after this.
Gov	Full term: Government Use: Government (initial capital) for the current Irish Government. Use government (lower case) for general references, government department, foreign and past governments. (See Capitalisation for more on this.) Don't use: Govt, gov, GOV
GP	Full term: general practitioner Use: GP (family doctor) for the first reference. Use GP after this. Don't use: Doctor
GRO	Full term: General Register Office Use: General Register Office (GRO) for the first reference. Prefer the full term above. Limit the use of GRO.
HEA	Full term: Higher Education Authority Use: Higher Education Authority (HEA) for the first reference in each section. Use HEA for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
HEI	Full term: Higher Education Institution (post-secondary education at colleges, universities, professional or technical schools) Use: Higher Education Institution (HEI) for the first reference in each section. Use HEI for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
HETAC	Full term: Higher Education and Training Awards Council Use: HETAC. Give the full term with the first mention if you think this information would be useful.
HIQA	Full term: Health Information and Quality Authority Use: Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) for the first reference. Prefer the full name as this is a relatively new organisation.
HPSC	Full term: Health Promotion Surveillance Centre Use: the full term above Don't use: HPSC, NDSC or National Disease Surveillance Centre
HSE	Full term: Health Service Executive (HSE) Use: Health Service Executive (HSE) for the first reference. Use HSE after this. Never use: health board
IBEC	Full term: Irish Business and Employers Confederation Use: IBEC. This is widely understood but give the full term with the first mention if you think the information would be useful.
IBTS	Full term: Irish Blood Transfusion Service Use: Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) for the first reference. Use IBTS after this.
ICT	Full term: information communications technology Use: for education-related documents only. Use ICT (information communications technology) for the first reference and ICT after this. Otherwise, use IT (information technology).
ICTU	Full term: Irish Congress of Trade Unions Use: ICTU (Irish Congress of Trade Unions) for the first reference. Use ICTU after this.
IDMA	Full term: Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance Use: Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance (IDMA) for the first reference. Prefer the full term. Limit the use of IDMA.
IMB	Full term: Irish Medicines Board Use: Irish Medicines Board (IMB) for the first reference. Prefer the full term. Limit the use of IMB.
IMO	Full term: Irish Medical Organisation (a trade union) Use: IMO (Irish Medical Organisation) for the first reference. Use IMO after this.
IMPACT	Full term: Irish Municipal Public and Civil Trade Union Use: IMPACT. This is widely understood, but give the full term if you think the information would be useful.
INIS	Full term: Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service Use: Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for the first reference in each section. Use INIS for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.
INOU	Full term: Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed Use: INOU (Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed) for the first reference. Use INOU after this.
INTO	Full term: Irish National Teachers Organisation Use: INTO (Irish National Teachers Organisation) for the first reference. Use INTO after this.
ISPCA	Full term: Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Use: ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for the first reference. Use ISPCA after this. Note: do not confuse with ISPCC.
ISPCC	Full term: Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Use: ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) for the first reference. Use ISPCC after this. Note: do not confuse with ISPCA.
IT	Full term: information technology Use: IT (information technology) for the first reference. Use IT after this unless the term could be misunderstood.
IT	Full term: Institute of Technology Use: Institute of Technology (IT) for the first reference. Use IT after this unless the term could be misunderstood.
JA	Full term: Jobseeker's Assistance Use: Jobseeker's Assistance (JA) for the first reference. Prefer the full term as this is a new name for an existing payment (previously called Unemployment Assistance) and not everyone may be aware of it.
JB	Full term: Jobseeker's Benefit Use: Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) for the first reference. Prefer the full term as this is a new name for an existing payment (previously called Unemployment Benefit) and not everyone may be aware of it.
JLC	Full term: Joint Labour Committee Use: Joint Labour Committee (JLC) for the first reference. Use JLC in phrases such as JLC Agreements if the meaning is clear.
JLO	Full term: Juvenile Liaison Officer Use: Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) for the first reference. Use JLO for repeat references within the same section if the meaning is clear.
kg	Full term: kilogramme Use: kilogramme for occasional occurrences. Use kg as in 1 1 kg (lower case, no full stops, no spaces) for repeated sets of measurements, such as in tables and lists.
km and km/h	Full term: kilometres and kilometres per hour Use: the full term for occasional occurrences. Use km or km/h as in 80km/h (lower case, no full stops, no spaces) for repeated sets of measurements, such as in tables and lists. Don't use: kph
LEADER	Full term: Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l'Économie Rurale (a grant programme funded by the EU supporting sustainable economic and community development in rural areas) Use: LEADER
LES	Full term: Local Employment Service (service operated by FÁS) Use: Local Employment Service (LES)
LHO	Full term: Local Health Office Use: Local Health Office (initial capitals) Don't use: LHO, health office. Do not confuse with health centre.
LRC	Full term: Labour Relations Commission Use: Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for the first reference. Use LRC after this.
LRC	Full term: Law Reform Commission Use: Law Reform Commission. You can also use LRC (for example, in phrases such as the LRC Report) but only after you have used Law Reform Commission (LRC).
MA	Full term: Mobility Allowance Use: Mobility Allowance Never use: MA
MABS	Full term: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Use: MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) for the first reference. Use MABS after this.
MB	Full term: Maternity Benefit Use: Maternity Benefit is preferred. Use MB sparingly and only after you have introduced it alongside the full term.
MEP	Full term: Member of the European Parliament Use: MEP (Member of the European Parliament) for the first reference. Use MEP after this.
mm	Full term: millimetres Use: millimetres for occasional occurrences. Use mm as in 35mm (lower case, no full stops, no spaces) for repeated sets of measurements, such as in tables and lists.
NALA	Full term: National Adult Literacy Agency Use: National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) for the first reference. Use NALA after this.
namhi	Full term: now called Inclusion Ireland Use: Inclusion Ireland Never use: namhi
NCA	Full term: National Consumer Agency Use: National Consumer Agency (NCA) for the first reference. Prefer the full term as this is a new organisation.
NCAOP	Full term: National Council on Ageing and Older People Use: National Council on Ageing and Older People (NCAOP) for the first reference. Use NCAOP after this.
NCBI	Full term: National Council for the Blind of Ireland Use: National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) for the first reference in each section. Use NCBI for repeat references in the section if the meaning is clear.
NCT	Full term: National Car Test Use: NCT (National Car Test) for the first reference. Use NCT after this.
NDA	Full term: National Disability Authority Use: NDA (National Disability Authority) for the first reference. Use NDA after this.
NDP	Full term: National Development Plan Use: National Development Plan (NDP) for the first reference in each section. Use NDP for repeat references in the section if the meaning is clear.
NEPS	Full term: National Educational Psychological Service Use: National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for the first reference. Use NEPS after this.
NEWB	Full term: National Educational Welfare Board Use: National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) for the first reference. Use NEWB after this.
NHO	Full term: National Hospitals Office (part of the HSE) Use: National Hospitals Office in preference to NHO
NMW	Full term: National Minimum Wage Use: National Minimum Wage, or minimum wage (lower case for this) Never use: NMW
NPCP	Full term: National Parents Council (Primary Use: National Parents Council (Primary) - NPCP, for the first reference. Use NPCP after this.
NPCPP	Full term: National Parents Council (Post-Primary) Use: National Parents Council (Post-Primary) - NPCPP, for the first reference. Use NPCPP after this.
NRA	Full term: National Roads Authority Use: National Roads Authority (NRA). If using NRA, ensure it is clear what this ab eviation represents.
NTPF	Full term: National Treatment Purchase Fund Use: National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) for the first reference. Use NTPF after this if the meaning is clear.
NUI	Full term: National University of Ireland Use: NUI, but explain the term if it is used alone. There is no need to explain the term if it is used as part of an official title - NUI Galway.
ODCA	Full term: Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs (amalgamated with the National Consumer Agency in May 2007) Use: National Consumer Agency (NCA) for the first reference. Prefer the full term as this is a new organisation. Don't use: ODCA
ODCE	Full term: Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement Use: prefer the full term above. Use ODCE sparingly and only after you have introduced it alongside the full term.
ODEI	Full term: Office of the Director of Equality Investigations Use: Office of the Director of Equality Investigations (ODEI) for the first reference. Use ODEI after this.
OFP	Full term: One-Parent Family Payment Use: One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) for the first reference in each section. Use OFP in the same section if the meaning is clear. Limit the use of OFP as readers may not be familiar with the term.
OT	Full term: occupational therapist Use: occupational therapist (lower case) Don't use: O/T, OT
OTC	Full term: Office of Tobacco Control Use: Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) for the first reference. Use OTC for repeat references in the same section if the meaning is clear. Limit the use of OTC.
PAYE	Full term: Pay As You Earn Use: PAYE (Pay As You Earn) for the first reference. Use PAYE after this.
PCRS	Full term: Primary Care Reimbursement Service Use: Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) for the first reference. Prefer the full name as this is a new title for the organisation and many readers may not be aware of it. Don't use: GMS
PHN	Full term: public health nurse Use: public health nurse (lower case) Don't use: PHN
PLC	Full term: Post Leaving Certificate Course Use: PLC (Post Leaving Certificate Course) for the first reference. Use PLC after this.
PMC	Full term: Primary Medical Certificate Use: Primary Medical Certificate Don't use: PMC
PPF	Full term: Programme for Prosperity and Fairness Use: PPF (Programme for Prosperity and Fairness) for the first reference. Use PPF after this.
PPP	Full term: Public Private Partnership Use: PPP (Public Private Partnership) for the first reference. Use PPP after this.
PPS Number	Full term: Personal Public Service Number Use: PPS (Personal Public Service) Number for the first reference. Use PPS Number after this.
PRSA	Full term: Personal Retirement Savings Account Use: Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) for the first reference. Use PRSA after this.
PRSI	Full term: Pay Related Social Insurance Use: PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) for the first reference. Use PRSI after this. Don't use: social insurance contribution (except where appropriate)
PRTB	Full term: Private Residential Tenancies Board Use: Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for the first reference in each section. Use PRTB for repeat references in the section if the meaning is clear.
PTR	Full term: Patient Treatment Register Use: Patient Treatment Register or the Register. Avoid PTR.
PwDI	Full term: People with Disabilities in Ireland Use: PwDI (People with Disabilities in Ireland) for the first reference. Use PwDI after this. Note: the letter w is always lower case.
RAPID	Full term: Revitalising Areas by Planning Investment and Development Use: RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning Investment and Development) for the first reference. Use RAPID after this.
REA	Full term: Registered Employment Agreement Use: Registered Employment Agreement (REA) for the first reference in each section. Use REA for repeat references in the section if the meaning is clear. Limit the use of REA.
RIA	Full term: Reception and Integration Agency Use: Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) for the first reference in each section. Use RIA for repeat references in the section if the meaning is clear. Limit the use of RIA. Don't use: asylum seekers agency
RPII	Full term: Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) Use: Radiological Protection Institute (RPII) for the first reference. Use RPII after this.
RSA	Full term: Road Safety Authority Use: Road Safety Authority (RSA) for the first reference. Prefer the full term as this is a new organisation and many people may not be familiar with it.
RTÉ	Full term: Radio Teilifís Éireann (state oadcasting company) Use: RTÉ. This is widely understood, but explain the function of the organisation if this may not be clear to some readers.
SCWO	Full term: Senior Community Welfare Officer Use: Senior Community Welfare Officer (CWO) for the first reference. Prefer Senior CWO after this. Don't use: SCWO
SEI	Full term: Sustainable Energy Ireland Use: SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland) for the first reference. Use SEI after this.
SENO	Full term: Special Educational Needs Organiser Use: Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) for the first reference in each section. Use SENO for repeat references within the same section if the meaning is clear.
SI	Full term: statutory instrument Use: statutory instrument when speaking generally. Use SI with a specific reference, as in SI 231/2000.
SIPTU	Full term: Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union Use: SIPTU. This is widely understood but explain the ab eviation if the information would be useful.
SMO	Full term: Senior Medical Officer Use: Senior Medical Officer Don't use: SMO
sq	Full term: square (a unit of area measurement) Use: square for occasional occurrences. Use sq as in 125sq m (lower case, no full stops) for repeated sets of measurements, such as in tables and lists.
SRCP	Full term: Standard Rate Cut-Off Point (relates to taxation matters) Use: Standard Rate Cut-Off Point (SRCP) for the first reference in each section. Use SRCP for repeated references within the same section if the meaning is clear.
STD	See STI.
STI	Full term: sexually transmitted infection Use: sexually transmitted infection (STI) for the first reference. Use STI after this. Don't use: STD or sexually transmitted disease
TD	Full term: Teachta Dála (member of the lower house of the Oireachtas) Use: TD. Explain the term in English if you think it may be unclear for some readers. Use TD (Teachta Dála) for the first reference in relevant articles on the Constitution.
TEFL	Full term: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (a qualification) Use: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) for the first reference. Use TEFL after this.
TUI	Full term: Teachers Union of Ireland Use: TUI (Teachers Union of Ireland) for the first reference. Use TUI after this.
UK	Full term: United Kingdom (refers to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) Use: UK, when referring to the four countries above as a group Don't use: UK and Northern Ireland
US	Full term: United States of America Use: United States or US Don't use: America
VAT	Full term: Value Added Tax Use: VAT. This is widely understood but give the full term if it may be unclear to some readers.
VEC	Full term: Voluntary Education Committee Use: VEC (Voluntary Education Committee) for the first reference. Use VEC after this.
VHI	Full term: Voluntary Health Insurance Use: VHI Don't use: Voluntary Health Insurance Authority, or Board
VIVAS	Full term: VIVAS Health (The name of this health insurance company is not an acronym but it looks and sounds like one.) Use: VIVAS (upper case) Health
VRT	Full term: Vehicle Registration Tax Use: VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) for the first reference. Use VRT after this.
VTOS	Full term: Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme Use: VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme) for the first reference. Use VTOS after this.
WHO	Full term: World Health Organisation Use: World Health Organisation (WHO) for the first reference in each section. Use WHO for repeat references within the section if the meaning is clear.

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