Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
390. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are meeting obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17426/21]
View answerMy Department recently completed a National Disability Authority online survey in relation to the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 and is currently preparing an appropriate action plan to ensure compliance with requirements. We have not had any requests for the service of Irish Sign Language Interpreters and will provide same if requested with the necessary notice required from the organisations providing such interpreters.
To note, my Department currently offers a loop system within its main conference room, and this is available to both staff and visitors who have cochlear implants.
There are 10 bodies under the aegis of my Department with responsibilities under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 as follows:
The Central Bank of Ireland has set up a Disability Task force, to identify all related legal obligations, including the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, and to oversee implementation of strategies for achieving compliance with same. The task force meets at least every two months, comprises of representatives from multiple areas within the organisation and is chaired by a senior manager.
Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) is committed to meeting the obligations of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017. In conjunction with the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), HBFI has arrangements in place to do all that is reasonable to engage with members of the public when seeking to avail of or access statutory entitlements or services provided by or under statute by HBFI.
The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) has made arrangements to ensure that interpretation into Irish Sign Language can be provided when a person is seeking to avail of the services provided by the FSPO and makes such a request. The provision of interpretation shall be at no cost to the person concerned.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is aware of the requirements of the Act in respect of facilitating a request by an individual seeking access in the format prescribed under this Act and will do all that is reasonable, on receipt of such a request, to ensure that interpretation into Irish Sign Language is provided.
To date, the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT) has not had any Applicant or witness who is deaf or hard of hearing or who has required the interpretation of proceedings into Irish Sign Language. In the event that any Applicant or witness before the Tribunal requires such interpretation, IFSAT will do all that is reasonable to ensure that interpretation into Irish Sign Language is provided for such person should they seek to avail of it. IFSAT undertakes that the provision of such interpretation shall be at no cost to the person concerned.
While the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) is aware of the obligations of public bodies under the Act, it does not currently provide services to the public nor does it broadcast press briefings. Accordingly, these obligations are not applicable to the NAMA at present. Insofar as Irish Sign Language translation services may be required, NAMA will ensure that it is fully compliant with its obligations under the Act.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), has confirmed that while it has limited services delivered to the public, it has made arrangements to be able to engage with members of the public in a manner consistent with the Irish Sign Language Act and will soon publish details in this regard on its website. The NTMA has also commenced engagement with service providers and agents in this regard.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners ensures an interpretation service into Irish Sign Language is available to its customers at no additional cost. Also, all members of the deaf community can access Revenue services through the Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS). This free service is provided by the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) and facilitates people with hearing impairment to communicate with Revenue via an on-screen interpreter.
Similar to the NTMA, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has limited services delivered to the public. In conjunction with the NTMA, it has made arrangements to be able to engage with members of the public in a manner consistent with the Act. In this regard, the SBCI will shortly publish such details on its website and has commenced engagement with service providers and agents.
The Tax Appeals Commission has a policy and procedure in place to meet all its obligations under the Act. To date, the Commission has not been contacted by any stakeholder who has required the use of sign language services.
