Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome and thank our guests for attending this debate. Like Senator Ó Murchú, I have always had a great interest in sign language, but I took it a little further and learned some. However, I would be afraid to use it today, as I have forgotten most of it. Like President Obama's interpreter, I could end up signing incorrectly. Having watched the interpreters who are present, though, it is coming back to me.

I was able to use sign language while campaigning and canvassing during the elections and I met many deaf people. They were delighted and immediately made a connection with me because I was able to sign to them, even though much of it was finger spelling. Having worked for 15 years with a public representative, during which time I dealt with many people who were deaf or could not speak, I found that it was only right that I help them communicate. Many places started using telephones on which one could type a message, but text messaging took over from that.

I compliment and commend Senators Daly and Ó Murchú on introducing the Bill and agree with its sentiment and the spirit with which they have presented it. This is not our first time discussing the matter. I have raised it on the Order of Business several times. Senator Quinn has some sign language and we have often discussed the matter.

I understand that the Minister of State will not accept the Bill at this time, but we as a Government must introduce legislation to give equal rights to the deaf community. The Minister of State has already started this process and has ensured its inclusion in the programme for Government. She will see it through. She has started promoting the recognition of Irish Sign Language, ISL, and has received submissions. She has chaired the first meeting of the special group that was put in place. This matter is in the right hands, pardon the pun. She takes a hands-on approach to disabilities.

Members of the deaf community cannot be made to feel like second class citizens. The most recent figures from the Central Statistics Office, CSO, show that more than 92,000 people in Ireland are deaf or have hearing difficulties. The Irish Deaf Society estimates that approximately 5,000 people use ISL as their first language. Figures also show that literacy problems are more common in the deaf community. This problem among others facing the deaf community must be addressed. People like doctors, teachers and those in the public light must become more aware and educated as to the difficulties faced by members of the deaf community in trying to communicate their views, thoughts or problems.

While I was taking sign language classes and a few exams, my son, who was in medical school at the time, took them with me. It was constantly impressed upon him that he needed to continue with his sign language, as few doctors had it. People who were deaf or hard of hearing would attend such doctors. He has continued with his sign language. When one does not use something constantly, one loses some skills. He has set up his own practice and is able to communicate with patients through sign language or finger spelling.

The question of equal rights for deaf people is often overlooked by society. Equal rights must play an important role in achieving equal access, equal opportunities and participation for the deaf community. As spokesperson on social protection, I am delighted that the Minister, Deputy Burton, did not wait for legislation. Using her own initiative, she put the Irish remote interpreting service, IRIS, in place. I am sure that everyone is well aware of what IRIS means. It is being piloted in a number of places throughout the country. I hope that it will be rolled out everywhere as soon as possible. It is a great system, as one does not need to wait for an interpreter on site and people incur lower costs. I remember needing an interpreter while working with a union. Bringing one in proved expensive. The Minister's introduction of IRIS will reduce costs.

I will not labour the points, as all Senators have contributed and are in agreement that we need to do something to make life easier for people. One of my sign language teachers was deaf. While I was taking signing classes, his wife gave birth to two children. I asked whether his children were deaf, to which he replied they were. He explained that he did not mind and was comfortable with the fact. He would raise them in the deaf community and teach them sign language. I found it strange, but he did not see being deaf as a disability. It was a way of life for him. We should not see deaf people as having a disability just because they cannot hear. This is an important point.

I presume that most of our guests know Mr. Willie White, who did a great deal of interpreting for former President Mary McAleese. I know him well and worked with him in Kerry promoting ISL.

I am delighted to welcome our guests. I know how important it is that I speak towards them, as many are lip reading. People do not realise that they must pronounce their words and avoid blocking someone's view of the speaker. These are simple steps that do not require legislation, only common sense. I thank the Acting Chairman for allowing me time and I look forward to the Minister of State's reply. Even if she does not accept this Bill, she will not put the issue on the backburner or let it fall off the agenda. I ask her to process it into legislation.