Ms Elaine Grehan:

When we talk about access to public buildings, the Senator is right that it is very important we have inclusion. In doing that, we need to consult Article 4.3 of the UNCRPD, which states that we must ask deaf people what we can do to make a building more accessible. It is a waste of time and expenditure if we do not do that in the first instance.

We must talk about universal design for deaf children and older people. Special supports are made available to deaf children in schools. Is that enough support or full support? It is not. Many deaf children within mainstream schools do not have enough support from the Government. I would recommend that schools should have a curriculum from primary through to post-primary for sign language for everyone, not only for deaf people. When sign language is taught in schools, deaf children are better able to socialise with their peers out in the playground when they go out to play. When they go out to the playground at the moment, they do not have the same access. Irish sign language, ISL, needs to be on the curriculum in primary and post-primary schools.

Likewise, opportunities should exist for older people. We had a facility at St. Joseph's House for Adult Deaf and Deafblind in Stillorgan, which has now closed due to HIQA recommendations and older deaf people have gone out to live in the community. They may feel isolated, even within nursing homes and nursing home care. We need and must provide sign language access in order for them to feel included within the newer communities to which they have gone. I think Ms Quigley would like to come in now and add to my comments.