Vol. 489 No. 3
279 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received representations from the Irish Deaf Society seeking a number of changes to facilitate the better education of those who are deaf and, particularly, recognition of Irish sign language as an official language; if so, his response to the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7980/98]
I have noted carefully the proposals for the Irish Deaf Society to which the Deputy refers. Officials of my Department recently met representatives of the society to discuss their proposals in more detail. I will be examining the proposals in question carefully as the Education (No. 2) Bill progresses through the various legislative stages in the Oireachtas.
I emphasise that the Bill was produced following an extensive process of consultation with the partners in education. As a result, the Bill has received a generally warm welcome. I intend to continue this consultation process as the Bill proceeds through the Oireachtas.
