Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was paying tribute to my colleague Senator Mark Daly for his work on this issue. I also acknowledge the communications Senators received from members of the deaf community, particularly transition year students in New Ross and pupils from Bishopstown community school who join us this afternoon.

This is very important legislation which aims to move us another step along the road of eradicating discrimination in society. It will bring the provisions of political and civil rights to the deaf community which counts at least 5,000 members in Ireland. The legislation will bring Ireland into the modern era and recognise a minority group in society. The purpose of the House when it was established in 1922, as subsequently provided for in the 1937 Constitution, was to protect and represent the rights of minority groups. In dealing with this issue the House is certainly living up to the obligations placed on it.

I agree with previous speakers that the legislation must be streamlined and that we must move steadfastly to enable it to proceed to Committee and Report Stages. After its passage through this and the other House which I hope will not take long, it will be necessary to provide State support to implement it.We have learned something when on this path with the Official Languages Act 2003 and the official recognition of the Irish language. Official recognition has been provided for in legislation but the State, unfortunately, falls short in living up to those provisions. There is much that can be learned in that regard.

European experts have noted in recent times the need for Ireland to move into line with other European jurisdictions. We can look across the Atlantic to Canada which 34 years ago provided the legal basis of recognition for the deaf community. We can also learn from Canada in terms of the technological supports that are provided to the deaf community.

I commend all those who have interacted with Senators to bring this legislation before the House. I wish Senator Mark Daly well in his ongoing deliberations on the legislation and hope we see Committee Stage commence shortly.