Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the recognition of sign language as an official language here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4699/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to recognise sign language as an official language of the State. However, sign language 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 sign language.

A number of practical initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement sign language are currently in place. The Citizens Information Board, an agency of my Department, established the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) in March 2007. This was in line with the recommendations in the report, Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service Requirements in Ireland. The Board of the new company comprises representatives drawn from the Deaf community, people with a background in delivering services to the Deaf community, from relevant public bodies including the Citizens Information Board, my own Department and the private sector. SLIS began operations in April 2007 and since then has dealt with over a 1000 bookings and provided interpreters to meet the needs of a range of public and private sector organisations. SLIS has also recently established its website www.slis.ie.