Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is regrettable but perhaps it also shows the lack of will on their part to take this matter seriously and to address the Bill positively. With regard to the Minister of State's speech, I know that he takes matters around this issue very seriously, but as my colleague, Deputy O'Callaghan, has said, a simple message around bringing this Bill forward and having it progressed and legislated for is a much more positive message then listing conditions and constraints around the legislation that has been tabled. All Opposition proposed legislation had some faults with regard to drafting and requires amendments, but this is a motion about delivering a message to the deaf community that we take this matter very seriously and want to address its needs. The Minister of State's response should not be an outline of constraints of the Bill being put forward by Senator Mark Daly.

I will allow my colleague, Deputy Mary Butler, to contribute and I will conclude. Recently I was at the Cabra Cabaret in the Irish Deaf Village and I was taken aback by the skills of the Deaf Tones choir, which was absolutely excellent. To see members of our deaf community celebrate our history on a wonderful night in the Irish Deaf Village and to see the work that is going on there was truly inspirational. I hope that we in the Oireachtas can progress this matter positively and properly. Senator Daly's Bill would result in the proper promotion, development and cultivation of sign language for the very first time in the history of the State. This is an issue of human rights and equality and I call on sides of the House to participate and be involved in future debates and not to go home early on a Thursday. All sides should be here to see this very important debate. It is important we support this Bill, this motion and the deaf community by ensuring the Bill is passed when it comes before the House.

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