Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
492. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 5 May 2021, the reason Irish Sign Language has not yet been included as a curricular subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26130/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, in line with The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 Act, my Department provides for an extensive range of supports to assist pupils and young persons with special educational needs, including children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, to ensure that children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs. Many pupils who are Deaf or hard of hearing are integrated into mainstream classes at primary and post-primary level, while other children may attend special schools or classes.
As previously outlined, the primary language curriculum has an outcome that provides schools with the scope to explore linguistic diversity. Teachers can encourage children to reflect on the experience of speaking or being exposed to languages that are different to the school languages, English and Irish, for example. This could equally apply to ISL.
Currently at post primary school level, Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) has developed a specification for a short course in Irish Sign Language (ISL) which is available as part of the new Junior Cycle. The emphasis is on developing communication skills in ISL at level A1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This course develops students' ability to understand ISL in live, and in recorded situations, to produce the language and to interact with other signers in a simple way and on familiar topics. A link to the course is available at: http://languagesinitiative.ie/images/ISL/MFL_Gen_Spec_ISL_28_May__Short_Course.pdf
In addition, there are four modules on Sign Language available as part of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. There is also an opportunity for students to learn sign language in the course of Transition Year.
