Fergus O'Dowd
Question:364. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to urgent concerns raised from the local deaf community (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7425/24]
View answerTuesday, 20 February 2024
Questions (364, 379, 384, 391, 392)
Holly Cairns
Question:379. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection whether her attention has been drawn to the non-payment of sign language interpreting services under the voucher scheme for interpreters, and the resulting cancellation of all interpreter bookings from 20 February 2024; whether she will ensure that this funding is released urgently in order to allow the deaf community to avail of ISL interpreters under the voucher scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7737/24]
View answer
Pauline Tully
Question:384. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has concerns regarding the suspension of the social inclusion fund for the deaf community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7925/24]
View answer
Patrick Costello
Question:391. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department is aware of suspension of the deaf community from the social inclusion fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8033/24]
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Duncan Smith
Question:392. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection why funding for the 'voucher system' for deaf people has been withheld by the Citizen's Information Board for all events after 20 February 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8036/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 379, 384, 391 and 392 together.
Section 9 of the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act, 2017 assigns responsibility to the Minister for Social Protection to provide funds to facilitate users of ISL to access social, educational and cultural events and services (including medical) and other activities.
I have assigned the implementation of this important responsibility to the Citizens Information Board (CIB), the statutory body under the aegis of my Department, which in turn assigned delivery to its relevant Service Delivery Company, the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS).
Following a four-month pilot of an "ISL Voucher Scheme" in 2021 by SLIS, supported by my Department and CIB, I was delighted to see the commencement of the Scheme on a permanent basis from 2 October 2023. A funding allocation has been secured by my Department for the Scheme for 2024.
On 9 February last, my Department became aware that the ISL Voucher Scheme was due to cease temporarily with effect from 20 February.
Following an urgent meeting requested and chaired by my Department on 13 February, with CIB and SLIS, all parties re-affirmed their respective commitments to the Scheme and recognised its vital role in supporting members of the Deaf community to fully participate in society. At that meeting, CIB and SLIS agreed a pathway forward to allow the Scheme to continue.A full joint statement from all three organisations issued on 15 February, accompanied by an ISL video version. As I am sure you will understand, I believe it is imperative that this statement and the message therein was communicated to the Deaf community first and foremost, and in a format that ensures its accessibility.As previously stated, I am fully committed to the ISL Voucher Scheme now and into the future, and I am happy that a pathway forward has been agreed to ensure the continued delivery of the ISL Voucher scheme past the 20 February.