Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was delighted to make the announcement when I came to the House today, and I was also very proud to be a colleague of the Cathaoirleach and to have worked with him for the past number of years. All of his colleagues here recognise his ability, determination, tenacity and willingness to get something done when he puts his mind to it. However, the Cathaoirleach has not been alone in doing the work he has done, and we have acknowledged the work done by Grace Coyle on this project.

This legislation represents a unique project on which the Members of the House worked collaboratively. One of the special things about Seanad Éireann is that when Members work together, the good is served. All Members of the House worked with the Cathaoirleach on this project. Everyone recognises and knows the value of this project. Senator Boylan spoke earlier about communication. As politicians, we recognise the value of communication and of getting our message out. There are those who do not have that opportunity to get their message out, and without a Bill or a commencement, they are being denied. That is why the work must be completed. I must praise all Members for their support in ensuring that the Act has now become law. It is now my job to be held to account with the public officials and to ensure that the project is completed.

I also wish to pay tribute to the newly formed Department of Justice. Departmental staff are here today. They have worked really hard over the last three years to get us where we are today and to have 23 December as the commencement date. Every Member of this House has spoken on the issue and been involved in the work.

I will take two things away from with House today. The first relates to what Senator Hoey said about using audio-to-text and ISL apps. I think we should circulate that information among all Oireachtas colleagues, because we know how difficult it is to communicate, particularly with the wearing of face masks. There is an impediment there that must be addressed. Second, I take Senator Murphy's suggestion about ISL lessons on board. In the last week I have enjoyed immensely taking ISL lessons and it brought me to a new level of ability. I was very nervous coming to the House today, and I felt the pressure of delivery for the first time in a long time, in ensuring that I did not let the sign language community down. There is a confidence that we all need to build among ourselves. If we are to expect the Civil Service to embrace ISL, we should lead by example. We should take that on board, and no different to embracing the Irish language, we should also embrace Irish Sign Language. I look forward to bringing that initiative through at some stage.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for all the work he has done with this team and the years he has dedicated to the project. Each of us who knows the Cathaoirleach from his Seanad campaign knows that it was one of his priorities to get this done and I am delighted to be associated with it.