Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I note that Senator Mark Daly had proposed to replace section 7, which specifies the number of hours of interpretation that the State is to provide for users of ISL for social, cultural and other purposes, including GP visits, with a simpler section that provides for funding for such purposes. This annual quantum of hours for the provision of services will be in addition to the provision of ISL when availing of statutory services. The objective is to tackle the social isolation that the deaf community experiences. I am fully supportive of this objective, but I note that the amendment has been ruled out of order.

I am delighted to confirm that the funding will be provided as discussed with the deaf community in recent weeks. I thank the Sign Language Interpreting Service, SLIS, for its response to my request for a funding submission for this purpose. We agree that funding for this worthwhile purpose should be provided, with the details to be finalised and announced shortly. I understand that we will discuss amendment No. 17 in the Dáil.