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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Sign Language.

Seán Power

Question:

461 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration will be given to a request from the deaf community to recognise Irish sign language as their official language. [12129/00]

Two forms of sign languages are commonly in use in this country as media for communication within the deaf community. The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities received a broad range of submissions from the different disability organisations and from individuals, including proposals for the recognition of Irish sign language as the language of deaf citizens and for education to be provided to deaf children through Irish sign language. Arising from its deliberations, the commission made 402 separate recommendations, including proposals relating to the education of deaf children and access to further education options through sign language. In this regard, the Education Act, 1998, has made provision for support services in respect of students learning through Irish sign language or any other sign language, including interpreting services. There are no proposals either in the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities or in my Department to give recognition to Irish sign language as the official language of the deaf community.

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