David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State made some very helpful introductory remarks. I regard him as somebody who is very well motivated in the area of disability. He is one of the best qualified people. He has been involved and committed in this area long before he was a Minister and I salute him for it. He recited a number of things that he did not like in the Bill, or that he thought were inappropriate, such as the establishment of a scheme, the quality of hours, Irish Sign Language in public bodies, and the new public body, namely, the Irish Sign Language council, among others. I am not sure why he is against them but I agree with him that it is daft to create a criminal offence. It is a waste of time. I ask Senator Mark Daly not to propose to table the amendment again.

The Minister of State outlined the three features of the Bill which the Government supports and they are absolutely crucial. They include the recognition by the State of Irish Sign Language; the ability of people who have difficulties with hearing to have access to Irish Sign Language when dealing with public bodies and the right to have a sign language interpreter in court. Without that, one is deprived of one's fundamental rights as a citizen.

With regard to the amendments, the first one is a technical one. It just deletes "means of communication" and substitutes "language". That is much better in my opinion. I think that should be accepted straight away. It is a language. When one says "means of communication" one is reducing its status. Language is 100% right. I really did enjoy amendment No. 2. Little did I think I would ever see the day when Senator Mark Daly would delete "the Republic of Ireland", and I welcome it. This is a significant move in Irish political life.