Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Shane Hamilton and Ellie Woods, who are running a campaign with the Department of Education that Irish Sign Language should be part of the leaving certificate curriculum. We have Polish, Chinese and Ukrainian, for example. We have many languages, but we do not have our own Irish Sign Language as a subject for the leaving certificate. I think they are absolutely right. We need to recognise our Irish Sign Language and we need to have it as part of the leaving certificate. I am looking for a debate at some stage generally on Irish Sign Language, but specifically on Irish Sign Language within the education system. We incumbents in this House recognised Irish Sign Language, and it was a great day. It was a great day when President signed the legislation that was initiated here by our Leas-Chathaoirleach. I want to see that happen. It is a great campaign and it would be another step on the road to equality.

I also support arrangements next week for debates on the budget. The budget is next Tuesday. There are many people in small businesses waiting eagerly for what measures will be in the budget to help them through what is a very difficult period with spiralling costs. I particularly want to see something concrete and meaningful done to support the coffee shops, small restaurants and small cafés in this country. There is nothing better for our towns and villages, and our tourism offering, than having many little places where people can go, have a cup of coffee, have a bun, have a sandwich or a bowl of soup, and have an engagement with locals and staff. Unfortunately, we will see many of these close unless something meaningful and practical is done to support them in the budget.The 9% VAT rate for food and beverages would be great, but if that is not going to happen, something meaningful needs to happen for the independently owned small coffee shops that offer a great service to our culture and communities the length and breadth of the country.