Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the members of the deaf community to the Visitors Gallery. It is typical of the Seanad that this is the second time in a few months that Irish Sign Language is being discussed. That is extremely positive, and I thank Senator Daly. Whether people agree or disagree with the Senator, one must agree that he has put this on the agenda. However, he is not the only Senator to do so. Senator Keane's first motion on the Adjournment was about Irish Sign Language and, indeed, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, ensured that Irish Sign Language was referenced in the programme for Government, something which has not happened previously. It is a very positive step.

Let us consider what has happened since the motion that was proposed by me in this House on behalf of the Government was supported unanimously. Not only was it supported unanimously, but the actions that would be taken, which were outlined by the Minister, were also supported unanimously. That leads me to wonder why we are discussing it again today. That said, it is good that we are, because every time we speak about Irish Sign Language, it is positive. I tend not to dwell on the negatives, but on the positives.