Ms Elaine Grehan:

There is one thing I wish to mention which links to disability and the access to language. We would like to think about access to language rather than disability, especially when it comes to young deaf children, language acquisition, learning language and having that access. For example, whether it is the Government or the Department of Education, it is important that language is recognised as a human right for every child, but specifically for deaf children learning sign language. Hearing children have great opportunities. The Minister, Deputy Foley, has announced opportunities to learn a second language, that is, a foreign language. That would be a brilliant opportunity for young children to learn ISL. Many young children could learn ISL in that way. It is a perfect example of what could be done. They would be able to mix with deaf children in school and there would be better social development for everyone. Deaf children and hearing children would have the opportunity, but it all depends on a better relationship with the Department of Education. Mr. Sherwin may be able to add to that.