Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Conama for his presentation. In light of the WHO report, how do we fare internationally when it comes to looking after the deaf community, not least when it comes to early interventions? Dr. Conama made clear that early interventions are so important, especially for young people.

Is there a grading system for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or otherwise? If so, how does it work?

Dr. Conama stated the Disability Act needs to be updated to reflect effectively the nerds of the deaf community. In what regard does it need to be upgraded and what needs to be done?

Members of the deaf community are likely to have been educated in deaf schools. There is one such school in Cabra. I am more familiar with that because it is located beside where I live. Is it reflected throughout the country that deaf people attend deaf schools?

It is worrying that the number of deaf people who go on to third level seems to be lower than one would like, and getting them educated to a higher level seems to be a big problem. Obviously, the literacy levels are not as good as they should be, according to Dr. Conama. What does he consider to be effective interventions? I do not have sign language, but it is a considerable skill that takes a great deal of learning. I imagine it is very difficult to teach it to someone who has gone deaf later in life. How does that work?