Ivana Bacik
Question:1093. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice if he will report on the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 by the Legal Aid Board. [13494/23]
View answerTuesday, 21 March 2023
Questions (1093)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Legal Aid Board provides legal advice and aid under the relevant terms of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996-2017. Section 3(3) of the Act provides that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
Notwithstanding the Legal Aid Board’s independence, I can however assure the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board is fully aware of its obligations under the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act 2017 and that the organisation arranges for a registered ISL interpreter where this service is required.
The Legal Aid Board has indicated that it will provide any additional information directly to the Deputy if requested.