Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
488. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration has been given to introducing provisions for banks to deal with deaf persons on the telephone including nominated contacts or alternative forms of contact (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54378/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 was enacted on 24 December 2017.
Section 9 of the Act provides that the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection may provide funds to facilitate users of Irish Sign Language with regard to support in relation to access to social, educational and cultural events and services (including medical) and other activities by such users as specified in guidelines made by that Minister.
In addition to the Sign Language Act, the Deputy will also be aware of the European Accessibility Act, the general approach of which has been agreed, which will harmonise accessibility to goods and services for persons with disabilities.
It is expected that the provisions of both these Acts will allow people who use sign language to access private sector services such as the ones outlined by the Deputy.
