Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

390 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are eight deaf students pursuing a course in business studies in Roslyn Park college, Dublin 4, who are unable to follow the course due to the fact there is no sign language interpreter available; the steps, if any, he will take to rectify this urgent problem; the further steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that a supply of interpreters is maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22161/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Prior to this, my attention had not been drawn to the position in relation to sign language interpreters for deaf students pursuing a business studies course in Roslyn Park. My understanding is that this college has provided such a service by employing interpreters from Irish Sign Link, the national co-ordinating agency for interpreters. This agency which is a registered charity is grant-aided by the Department of Health and Children; the agency is funded by the NRB which also provides office accommodation for the agency. At present there are only two full-time interpreters on Sign Link's list who are available for work in the Dublin area; one of these interpreters is working 3.5 days per week in Roslyn Park college. The agency faces a heavy demand for interpreting services which at present it cannot meet. The supply of sign language interpreters is not a matter for my Department but is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children and of the National Rehabilitation Board.