Vol. 488 No. 1
275 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science whether his attention has been drawn to proposals by the Irish Deaf Society for recognition of Irish sign language in the Education Bill; and if he will be represented in the seminar on 7 March 1998 at Trinity College, Dublin where the role of sign language in education will be debated. [5613/98]
I am aware both of the proposals and the seminar in Trinity College to which the Deputy refers. I can confirm that a representative of my Department will be present at that seminar. I have noted carefully the issues raised in the proposals and I will be examining them carefully as the Bill progresses through the various legislative Stages in the Oireachtas.
I would like to emphasise that the Bill was produced following an extensive process of consultation with the partners in education. As a result, the Bill has received a generally warm welcome. I intend to continue this consultation process as the Bill proceeds through the Oireachtas.
