Dr. John Bosco Conama:

The Senator is making very true comments. It is certainly true that Irish Sign Language is not only used by deaf people, it is also used by hearing people such as co-workers, family members, neighbours and sign language interpreters. For every deaf person, there would be four or five hearing people around them who may sign but whose level of fluency may vary. It is very true that Irish Sign Language belongs to Irish society rather than to the deaf community only. It is part of our country. However, people may not have had exposure to it all the time. Attitude and understanding are the two really important aspects. They need to be progressed with regard to bringing forward access. Family members need to have access to learning Irish Sign Language. The gentleman with the heart condition, whose family did not have clear access and communication with him, was missing out on the incidental information. People may be interested and they can certainly go along to learn to sign, if that were a possibility.