Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, and our distinguished visitors in the Gallery. I compliment my colleagues, Senators Martin Conway and Cáit Keane, for bringing forward this motion. I hope this will be a very significant step on the road to the eventual official recognition of Irish Sign Language. This is an issue of equality - equality of opportunity in employment, in education, in being able to access the various services provided by the State, enjoying television and playing a full part in every aspect of life. It is a matter of principle that the motion is passed.

The Government signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, which contains commitments and duties towards native sign languages.

I have an interest in this matter because of something significant that happened over 25 years ago at a major manufacturing plant in Ballinasloe where I worked as personnel officer. One day a nun from the school for the deaf in Cabra arrived at reception. She asked me to consider employing a young lady from Lawrencetown outside Ballinasloe. That was the first time I had been asked to consider hiring a person with a disability and I was extremely apprehensive. However, the nun was so persuasive that I met the young lady whose name was Ms Joan Kelly. They both convinced me to take a chance. Ms Kelly used sign language and written notes and I gave her an employment opportunity on a trial basis. I assure Members that I have never regretted that decision. Ms Kelly made a major contribution to the company. She thrived and prospered in the organisation. It was an American company which had an employee of the year scheme and Ms Kelly travelled to the United States as a winner of the award. Not alone did she have a long career with the company, but we hired four others who were deaf or had a disability, with Ms Kelly providing advice and assistance. She helped to train employees and provided induction training in the company. My experience has been extremely positive and as I have not forgotten it, I want in any way I can to help to ensure Irish Sign Language is legally recognised in the State.

I commend my colleagues, Senators Martin Conway and Cáit Keane, for tabling the motion and hope the Minister of State will have something positive to say. This is an important day for the deaf community as it has brought its case to Parliament. Having listened to the contributions so far, I know the response has been very positive. We look forward to working with it in the coming months to ensure there will be legal recognition for Irish Sign Language in order that all members of the community can continue to grow, prosper and avail of all the opportunities available to every citizen, whether it be in education, employment or gaining access to various services.