Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 34:

In page 26, line 7, after “language” to insert “and Irish Sign Language”.

Amendment No. 34 would provide that recommendations from the commission should reflect the need to ensure a sufficient number of judges with a proficiency in Irish Sign Language, ISL. The Seanad has a proud record when it comes to ISL. It is vital that users of ISL are able to equitably and fully participate in the legal system, both as judicial officers and as members of the public taking cases. There has been a lot of discussion in the debate over the last few weeks regarding equality. This amendment seeks to address issues of both equality and equity in the legal systems of our society.

Amendment No. 35 is a consequential amendment to ensure consistency with the insertion proposed by amendment No. 34. Amendment No. 39 would provide that the commission will consult the Courts Service about the needs of users of the court with respect to proceedings being conducted in ISL. This amendment sees to ensure that the Courts Service is accessible for ISL users and that there is consultation by the commission with the service on its requirement to provide for accessibility. Article 13 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides for access to justice for disabled people. It explicitly states that parties to the convention:

... shall ensure effective access to justice for persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others, including through the provision of procedural and age-appropriate accommodations, in order to facilitate their effective role as direct and indirect participants, including as witnesses, in all legal proceedings, including at investigative and other preliminary stages.

I see no reason the Government would oppose these amendments. They are relatively simple and reflect and complement already existing legal obligations that the State has agreed to. Amendment No. 40 would provide that the commission would consult the president of the High Court, Circuit Court or District Court, as the case may be, about the needs of users of the court concerned in respect of proceedings being conducted in ISL.