Dublin City University has advertised for an Irish language development officer, the first time such a position has been created on the campus. The new post will be attached to Fiontar, the on-campus Irish language business centre.

The language officer, who will be appointed for three years, will be responsible for promoting Irish by organising language classes, social and arts events, translating documents and signage and for publicising and marketing Fiontar's courses.

Welcoming the development as "a great step forward", the head of Fiontar, Dr Caoilfhionn Nic Phaidin, said that it would do much to increase the profile of Irish in the university and would offer students and staff the opportunity for greater participation.

At present, Fiontar is also looking to fill six lectureships in subjects such as French, business, computers and communications and multi-cultural studies for its degree and post-graduate courses.

Fiontar's MSc in information and technology is nearing the completion of its first year and applications are invited for the next academic year. The course, which is taught entirely through Irish, has two core areas of study: business and computing.

Last year, the course cost £650, the lower level of fees supported by the HEA under its Skills Needs Programme. It is hoped that lower fees will again be applicable for the coming academic year. For more information on the course telephone (01) 7005614, email cait.nichonaill.@dcu.ie or log on to www.dcu.ie/fiontar