Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if Irish sign language will be recognised as an official language and the maximum support given to the 5,000 deaf persons here and the 40,000 who use ISL. [11708/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to provide legislation on Irish sign language, ISL. ISL has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998. Under the Act, it is a function of the Minister for Education and Science to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State, including a person with a disability or who has other special educational needs, support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person. This includes provision for students learning through ISL.

A number of initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement ISL to encourage greater recognition and use in the education system are in place. Special schools for the deaf in Cabra, Dublin, have been encouraged in relation to the use of sign language in class. In-service training is provided in the use of ISL. My Department has provided funding for an ISL weekly home tuition service whereby deaf tutors visit the homes of deaf pre-school children and deaf schoolgoing pupils to provide training in ISL for the deaf children or pupils, their siblings and parents. My Department has sanctioned a pre-school for deaf children on a pilot basis. Programmes are delivered through the medium of ISL as a first language. Through the Higher Education Authority, my Department has established and fully funds a centre for deaf studies in Trinity College Dublin which provides diploma courses for ISL-English interpreters, deaf tutors and in deaf studies.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to work with the HSE south-eastern area to develop the much needed school for the moderately intellectually disabled in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11754/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has no record of any proposals from the HSE in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. Any proposals the HSE wishes to submit to my Department will be considered.