Proinsias De Rossa
Question:173 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date regarding the centre for deaf studies at Trinity College, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22984/01]
Written Answers. - Irish Centre for Deaf Studies.
I announced the establishment of the Irish Centre for Deaf Studies in Trinity College Dublin in June 2000. This centre will offer courses to improve communication between the deaf and hearing communities and to enhance the employment prospects for members of the deaf community.
The establishment of the centre is progressing as planned. A director, a lecturer in deaf studies and a secretary have been appointed and two full-time diploma courses in Irish sign language-English interpreting and Irish sign language teaching have commenced.
An initial core function of the centre will be to train qualified interpreters to address the shortage of skilled personnel in this field. Courses in the design and delivery of Irish sign language courses are also envisaged.