Ms Lianne Quigley:

With regard to political life, Ms Grehan noted in her opening statement that three deaf candidates have stood for election at county council level. I was involved in canvassing for one of those candidates. We relied on voluntary interpreters to provide access. We were constantly in search of interpreters who were willing to work voluntarily so that we could interact and discuss matters when canvassing in the community. As the Deputy herself will know, going to local meetings of housing associations, public meetings and different local events and so on is a regular occurrence for those involved in political life. Whether there is access through Irish Sign Language, ISL, very much varies. That is a very negative aspect of being involved in political life.

In respect of cultural life, art and design, I have been involved with the deaf artists in our community and our deaf culture and deaf arts for many years. It is very limited here in Ireland. We very much depend on the funding that is available. Opportunities to get involved and take part are very limited. We have to apply for grants for monitoring programmes, development programmes and so on. Even if we do receive those grants, they can be very limited and very small. Of course, we always have to factor in the cost of interpreting. A great responsibility is put on us rather than on the public arts institutions, theatres and the like, to provide interpretation and to make people aware that ISL access needs to be provided. Really, it should be the opposite way around. I could stay here all day and provide plenty of examples, but there are just two to answer the Deputy's questions.