Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Now I am under pressure and I have to rush everything together. With regard to Senator Mark Daly's point on the issue being a priority for the deaf community, it is also a priority for the committee. It is the first equality issue that we have tabled. We are taking it very seriously. The witnesses have done very well in highlighting that what we are talking about here is really a language and a method of communication, without which people are marginalised. People's human rights are being violated. Given that we are pushed for time, I have a couple of quick questions on what would it mean in practical terms. I know we have spoken before about cases in the courts system, for example, and I have had to deal with someone who was excluded because they are deaf and could not understand what was going on. The witnesses have also raised previously the outrageous case of two co-accused - one of whom was asked to sign for the other and give the message back - one could not make this up that this would be deemed acceptable in a court of law. If somebody arrived in Ireland from a different country and came before one of the courts, an interpreter would automatically be provided. It is, in part, about raising awareness. There are a couple of issues around what it would mean in practical terms.

The point was made that Ireland is behind the times. In that context, the fact that other countries have recognised Irish Sign Language was highlighted. With regard to the points made by Dr. John Bosco Conama about standards and scrutiny, I would be interested to know the size of the deaf community and how many professional interpreters are there. That is a big body of work. Reference was made to initiatives in schools. I understand there is a cycle at junior certificate level which does Irish Sign Language. Does the Irish Deaf Society liaise with the Department of Education and Skills with a view to expanding that programme?