Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise an issue that has been brought to my attention by the Farmers' Alliance on behalf of the deaf community. The deaf community is at risk of losing the sign language interpreting service and the social inclusion scheme of the deaf community. This loss will have significant and far-reaching effects on that community. First and foremost, deaf individuals will be left without vital access to communication supports for personal and essential events. This includes family gatherings, medical appointments, legal consultations and education courses. The loss of these services will directly impact the ability of the deaf community to fully participate in society and access essential services. Furthermore, the decision to suspend funding for these services from 20 February this year, without consulting the deaf community, demonstrates a lack of respect and consideration for their human rights.

This decision also contradicts Ireland's approval of the UNCRPD and the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, which aims to promote and protect the rights of deaf individuals. The lack of engagement and consultation with the Irish Deaf Society by the Citizens Information Board is completely unacceptable. It is crucial that decisions affecting the deaf community are made in consultation with those directly impacted. The negative impact of losing these services will not only be felt by the deaf community but will also reflect badly on the Citizens Information Board and the Department with responsibility for overseeing these decisions. The lack of meaningful engagement with the Irish Deaf Society only further emphasises the disregard for the rights and needs of the deaf community.

I understand there is a meeting this afternoon with the Minister, Deputy Humphreys on this matter. Ultimately, the implications of losing the sign language interpreting service and the social inclusion scheme for the deaf community are severe and speak to a larger issue of the lack of respect and consideration for the rights and needs of deaf individuals. It is crucial that this decision is reconsidered by the Minister for Social Protection and that meaningful engagement and consultation with the deaf community is prioritised in future decisions. I cannot believe that I am raising this issue on the floor of the Seanad, especially when it was our Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, who introduced this. Really, it is a shameful day for the Government if this is not reinstated.