Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Níl mé ábalta sign language a úsáid mar atá an Cathaoirleach agus an Aire Stáit ach b’fhéidir go mbeidh lá éigin. Is lá an-speisialta é seo, gan dabht. Gabhaim mo bhuíochas don Chathaoirleach. Rinne sé a lán oibre ar an issue seo agus bhí sé ag obair go crua ar son na ndaoine bodhra.He brought this legislation forward three times, and in so doing showed unbelievable perseverance, and he got it passed. It is great to hear the Minister of State's commitment today, and I want to compliment her on the way she has spoken.

This legislation represents a huge advancement in the human and civil rights of the deaf community. Through the Act, the State will recognise the right of ISL users to use ISL as their native language. Designating sign language as a native language empowers the deaf community, by permitting it to be used in legal proceedings. The Act also requires the State to provide interpreting services for students who use ISL. It is important that we move as quickly as we can with this and I have no doubt as to the Minister of State's commitment to this issue. I am confident she will do what is required.

ISL is the language of the deaf community. As has been highlighted, there are 5,000 deaf people in Ireland, and approximately 40,000 people communicate using sign language, whether it is with family, friends or co-workers. As we all know, sign language is a visual and spatial language, with its own distinct grammar. It is not only a language of the hands, but also of the face and body. It is an indigenous language of the deaf community, and research shows that sign language is a full language with its own complex linguistic structure, rules and features. ISL was recognised in Northern Ireland and not in the Republic. This will be rectified with the commencement of the Act. ISL is different from all other sign languages, such as British and American sign languages. Ireland is unique in that sign language differs based on gender, due to the fact that males and females are educated in separate schools. The deaf community views itself as a linguistic and cultural minority group, as opposed to being disabled.

It is great to see that the Seanad can co-operate so well on these issues. I also want to pay tribute to my own neighbour, Grace Coyle, who has done so much fantastic work in this area behind the scenes. At some stage, perhaps the introduction of ISL lessons for Oireachtas Members could be considered and perhaps the Minister of State and the Cathaoirleach could even provide some of the lessons. It would be a great idea for us all to get a handle on the basics of the language so that we could communicate in ISL. I certainly would love to be able to do that. I thank the Minister of State and the Cathaoirleach for all their work. It is lovely to hear all the Senators speaking so positively on this issue and hopefully the work will come to fruition before too long.