Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I will keep this as brief as possible. I look forward to supporting my colleague, Senator Daly, in the Seanad on this Bill. Like my colleagues, I thank the delegates for coming here today. Their contributions were informative and moving. I was particularly struck by the comments on access to the health service. I think many of us were surprised to hear of these barriers. I have some personal experience of those barriers because I have suffered a significant hearing impairment since birth. I, therefore, have an understanding of some of the barriers faced, although they are obviously not as extensive. I, therefore, look forward to supporting this.

I have a few quick questions. The delegates stated that children should learn to sign as soon as possible. What supports are there for children and how early can they access them? What supports are there for other family members that may be hearing, who want to learn and want to become fluent, to support their child?

The unemployment figure of 71% was shocking. The delegates mentioned that there are various issues around the disability allowance because it sometimes acts as a de-motivator for people to engage in employment. What would they suggest we, in the Oireachtas, can do to address that issue? Would this Bill assist in improving the unemployment statistics in the deaf community?