Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. It is wonderful to see her in this Chamber.

I am very supportive of the motion tabled by my friend and colleague, Senator Martin Conway, and well supported by Senator Keane. I am not that familiar with this issue, so in advance I seek forgiveness if I step on toes and say the wrong things. I have a great many questions because as I research the issue, I find more contradictions as I try to work out the real obstacles.

As was stated, the European Parliament unanimously approved a resolution about deaf sign languages on 17 June 1988. The resolution asks all member countries to recognise their national sign languages as official languages of the deaf. The Irish Government signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, but has yet to ratify the convention, which contains obligations toward native sign languages. We need to be mindful of the needs of the deaf and the hard of hearing and develop improved systems in consultation with that community.

I am cognisant of evolving technologies. I think we could do more with technology. The BBC has late night reruns of programmes which have sign language captions. Given changed viewing habits, I do not know about anybody else but I tend to watch all prerecorded television, but perhaps we could also do more repeat programmes with Irish Sign Language captions. My colleague, Senator Fiach Mac Conghail, informed me the Abbey Theatre, Ireland's national theatre, has been putting on Irish Sign Language interpreted performances of each of its plays for the past 13 years and has de facto recognised and supported Irish Sign Language as the third indigenous language in Ireland. The Abbey Theatre should be applauded for that initiative. Other bodies should be encouraged to look at similar initiatives. The State has a responsibility but we all have a responsibility. I thank Senators Conway and Keane for their input. I also want to thank Senators Moran and Daly. Senator Daly has already answered some of my questions.

Some 850,000 people in Ireland have hearing issues, if we include some of the senior population. However, only 1,077 put down Irish Sign Language as their method of communication when filling out the census in 2011. Some members of the deaf community are present and have clearly articulated their needs. We need to consider ways of using new technologies in public service offices. We would be able to provide Irish Sign Language services in a cost effective way. Some 20 years ago, cost would have been a factor but we must question whether it is a factor today. I accept there may be other options for the younger deaf population.

I will take the opportunity to mention the parallel issue of the cochlear implant programme. I am very concerned that out of the 28 cochlear implant centres between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, Ireland is the only one that does not provide a bilateral cochlear implant programme. I know the Minister of State has met the organisation and is committed to the issue but there are 350 children on the waiting list to receive a sequential cochlear implant. We know that of that number, only 200 to 240 children will take it up. The preference is that bilateral cochlear implants are done simultaneously. I know of one such case. The first implant failed and the girl had to undergo surgery to have it removed and replaced by a new implant. The girl was not allowed out of her mother's sight and had to live in silence for five weeks, which the mother said traumatised her daughter. One can only switch on the implant after four weeks and the person has to relearn all the sounds again, such as the sound of a bouncing ball, a clicking pen and words. This has a significant impact on the quality of life at a critical time in the learning and development of a young person, as does Irish Sign Language. It is really important that we do not see these issues as being in competition with each other. We must consider how we support members of the deaf community to get the supports that will ensure they have the best quality of life possible, as we want for all citizens.

The debate has opened up more issues. It is vital that we talk to the deaf community and ensure there is a co-ordinated responsive approach. The right to use one's own language is an important human right. Like all linguistic minorities, members of the deaf community have different degrees of access to the majority language of the wider community and for many, English is only a second or a third language. Consequently, written material and spoken communication are often inaccessible to deaf people. We need to consider what supports are available. I welcome the opportunity this debate has provided to learn about his issue. As I become more involved I hope I will be able to support my colleagues in the Seanad.