Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to reiterate some of the comments that have been made in regard to the amendments and the contribution so far. There are very few of us in this Chamber who can bring the kind of forensic clarity that Senator Ruane can bring and she has called it right in regard to this Bill. I share the concerns of my colleague, Senator Ó Clochartaigh, and others in regard to the back and forward nature of the amendments, whether in draft form or who they were shared with and why and so on. The amendments refer to the broader sentiment of the Bill. The Second Stage discussion of this Bill was probably one of the most positive and hopeful contributions I have heard in my relatively short time in the House. Senator Daly called it right when he said that the only consensus that was talked about then was the consensus to make this a reality and have Irish Sign Language recognised as a language of this State. We know it is formally recognised in the North along with British Sign Language. This is about more than the recognition of Irish Sign Language, although that is important and fundamental. While the two issues are not comparable in every aspect, I know what it is like not to have one's language of choice recognised or facilitated by the State apparatus.There is no merit is recognising simply for recognition's sake if the Government is not prepared to provide the necessary resources that will empower, enfranchise, embolden, facilitate and assist people who are deaf in our society.

Understandably, today's debate has been somewhat hot and heavy. Senator Mark Daly and others have made the correct point. There are competing views on this. The Minister of State has his view and that is as legitimate as everyone else's. It is not a bad thing to have competing views on legislation of this nature and this is the appropriate place for that. I look forward to continuing the discussion. For the people in the Gallery who have been here before, I am sorry we have to prolong matters. However, if today has shown anything, it is that the majority of Senators in this House are willing to turn what they, their loved ones and their community need into a reality.