Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

8 o’clock

I thank speakers for their contributions to this important discussion. I strongly disagree with a number of them, and I am a bit surprised to be saying so because everybody knows my position on this legislation. I was at the launch and I have had discussions with both Senator Mark Daly and the Irish Deaf Society. I thank colleagues for their excellent contributions and I agree with every single word that came from the Opposition benches.

I am hearing very clearly, and we are all agreed on the fact, that there is a palpable need to improve and further social inclusiveness for people in the deaf community, and that there is an onus on Government to provide statutory recognition of the rights of ISL users. That is why I support the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill. The sponsors of the Bill have carried out a valuable public service by putting the need to cater for the rights of ISL users on our agenda in the Oireachtas and I am committed to working with Members to try to meet these needs in an effective and responsive way. Let there be no doubt about my position on this Bill. I want it implemented. In answer to the negative criticism, I have concerns which I have outlined and I would not be doing the sponsors of the Bill any favours were I not to do so. That is my job as Minister of State. We need to be practical and to ensure the approach we have taken is realistic as well as fruitful. I take my job very seriously, as I do the rights of all people with a physical or intellectual disability, and I would never use weasel words about them.

I look forward to continuing discussion on the Bill once it has moved along in a process in which I am sure that my concerns will be examined carefully. I will also be bringing forward some amendments that aim to add balance and perspective to the proposed legislation. I accept the need to push this along and I will need the support of Deputies at times. I am glad that Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and the Oireachtas committee will support me. In the meantime, the new national disability strategy will shortly be going to the steering group for sign-off and, as I said earlier, it contains a specific commitment that will cover much of the same ground as recognition of ISL, namely, the creation of a statutory right for a person to receive free ISL interpretation services when availing of statutory services. I am trying to get it moved along before Christmas.

In its report, the committee does refer to this proposed action, but it did not, to my knowledge, undertake any analysis as to how it might resolve some of the difficulties that ISL users face. It is my firm belief that this specific action in the strategy, in conjunction with developing the capacity of the sign language interpreting service, which is also committed to in the strategy, is the best approach to meeting the needs of the deaf community and will make a real difference in the lives of ISL users. As Deputy Bríd Smith said, action and resources are the key words.

It may be of interest to Members to know that the suggestion to provide free ISL interpretation when availing of public services originated in a public meeting in Cork during the consultation process. In fact, issues in relation to the deaf community featured particularly strongly in the process as a whole, and the Department intends that the new strategy will respond credibly to the issues raised and that it will make a significant, meaningful and practical difference to the lives of deaf people.

Let nobody be in any doubt tonight of my position on this Bill. I totally support it and I am determined to implement it. I will raise concerns but, equally, I will listen to the voices of people who have a genuine interest. Once again, I thank the deaf community for attending tonight. I also thank the interpreters and Opposition Deputies who have been very supportive of this legislation. I have a plan for all people with disabilities and both a strategy and a clear vision on all these issues. Part of my plan is to do my best to use the limited time I have to get as many things done as possible, one of which is this legislation.

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