Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the opportunity. I thank the Irish deaf community for its outstanding work and effort in pursuit of this agenda over many years. In particular, I thank Senator Mark Daly, who has been tenacious and meticulous in advancing this legislation. Indeed, last year I met Senator Mark Daly, the representatives of the deaf community and those who were advising on the Bill to try and chart a pathway forward and to make it clear that we resolutely supported this.

The cultural impact of the passing of this legislation on public bodies and institutions will be profound. The important point of this legislation is not just the legal provision but the cultural change it will usher forward. I recall visiting a primary school in Cork, St. Columba's in Douglas, where many children with hearing impairment were educated. They were amalgamated with a mainstream school. It was wonderful that every child in the school had sign language. That is the type of template one should aspire to have. It was done with great ease and dignity. That cultural impact is very important.

The interpretation dimension of the legislation is critical. It highlights the importance of training for those who can become good quality interpreters. That is an essential component of the Bill and I welcome it. I also welcome the review section. When we pass the legislation it is important that we can reflect in a timely manner on how it is being implemented to ensure it is having practical benefits and that it witnesses improvements and advancements in sign language and in terms of training, interpretation and utilisation both in our courts and by public bodies, so it becomes a habitual occurrence and not something that must be continually sought. I introduced the Education Act 1998 and Irish Sign Language is referenced in that Act, so I am conscious of the need for full implementation.

I congratulate everybody involved. I thank the Minister of State for his accommodation and, in particular, Senator Mark Daly, for seeing this through both Houses of the Oireachtas, please God.

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