Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
648. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017; when a role will be created entirely separate from the SNA role for supporting deaf signing children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53312/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Sign Language Act was signed into law on 24th December 2017 and it was jointly commenced by Minister Rabbitte and I on 23rd December 2020.
Through the Act, Ireland recognises Irish Sign Language as a native language of the State and the right of users of Irish Sign Language to develop and preserve it as their native language.
The Act places a statutory duty on all public bodies to provide Irish Sign Language users with free interpretation when accessing statutory entitlements and services. The Act also creates specific obligations in relation to the accreditation of Irish Sign Language Translators, the use of Irish Sign Language in legal proceedings, as well as providing principles that broadcasters, within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 2009, must adhere to.
Section 5 provides specifically for the development of a number of schemes for the provision of support for ISL users in the school context and for their families. Planning is underway in the Department of Education on the implementation of the provisions of the ISL Act in consultation with the National Council for Special Education and any additional supports that may be required in that regard. It should be noted that there are a number of provisions in education for ISL users and their families.
Implementing the Irish Sign Language Act requires a whole of government approach. As such, all public bodies have obligations to fulfil. Under section 10 of the Act, my Department has an important role to play in monitoring the implementation of the Act to ensure that users of Irish Sign Language have equal access to the services of the State and equal opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Section 10 of the Act requires that a report on the implementation on the Act be produced. A draft report was submitted to my Department earlier this year, and is presently being finalised, in consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies. When finished, Minister Rabbitte intends to lay the report before the Houses, and to publish it.
