Vol. 515 No. 3
344 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 390 of 9 November 1999 and 111 of 17 November 1999, the arrangements, if any, he has made for a full complement of sign language interpreters to be available for deaf and hard of hearing students in Roslyn Park, Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6233/00]
I am aware of the difficulties in regard to the availability of sign language interpreters for hearing-impaired students in Roslyn Park College. This college is part of the Rehab Group. Arrangements for the provision of a sign language interpretation service there is a matter for the college itself and for the health authorities who supervise and provide funding for its rehabilitation activities.
The Higher Education Authority is examining a proposal to establish a centre for deaf studies at Trinity College, Dublin. I understand that the question of the availability of, and training for sign language interpreters will be considered in this regard. The authority is consulting with various interests in the field and I understand that it expects to have this process completed shortly.
