Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 5

Written Answers. - Irish Sign Language.

Mary Wallace

Ceist:

39 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht what submissions, if any, he has received concerning the use of Irish sign language in television broadcasts as part of the consultative process on the Green Paper on Broadcasting; and his views on whether television broadcasters should be requested to provide a minimum service using Irish sign language. [1607/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

Under existing legislation the subject raised by the Deputy is a matter for the RTE Authority.

The Deputy will be aware that I received some 130 responses to the Green Paper on Broadcasting which was published in 1995. Included in these responses is a submission from the Irish Deaf Society which raises this issue.

The responses are being examined at present and will inform my deliberations as I develop definite proposals for fresh legislation. I hope to be in a position to submit definite proposals for Government consideration during 1996.