Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The campaign of advocacy they ran, including Alan's lovely letter, touched not just those of us in this Chamber but our staff as well. Today is a very important day. On Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Cork Deaf Enterprises in Ballinlough in Cork city and of speaking with the men and women of the deaf community in order to listen and to understand better the struggle and the difficulties they encounter but, more importantly, that they overcome and can celebrate in the lives they live.

Our job, as legislators and as Members of this House, no matter what our political ideology or hue, is to try to make life better for all of our citizens. As Members have referenced, it is about equal access and about working with Government rather than Government working against this. The important point today is that this House will not be divided and, from what I gather, we will all support the Bill. We are fortunate that in the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, and before him, the former Minister of State, Senator Ó Ríordáin, we have people who understand the impact of disability and the importance of working together to bring change, as members of political parties or otherwise.

I would invite Members to visit Cork Deaf Enterprises and to talk to the people in Bishopstown Community School who have been pioneers over many decades in highlighting and in bringing change for members of the deaf community. As Leader of the House, I know it is important that we understand this legislation is not perfect. I commend Senator Daly for his work in the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality. We must ensure we use this day, not as the beginning or the end, but as a staging post on the road to what we all want to see, namely, recognition of Irish Sign Language and making life better for all of our citizens so we can all enjoy and celebrate life.