Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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146. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps her Department is taking to ensure that Irish Sign Language is designated an official language; the further steps being taken to ensure that the midlands area is being provided with the appropriate level of services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30985/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Justice and Equality is currently progressing a three-phase consultation process with a view to developing a new Disability Inclusion Strategy. Phase three has recently commenced, and as with Phase two, regional consultation meetings are being held. Two of the three scheduled meetings have now taken place, with the third taking place next week. Following this third phase, a draft Strategy will be prepared with the assistance of the National Disability Strategy Steering Group for consideration by Government. It is envisaged that the new Strategy will be in place by end 2016. Issues in relation to the Deaf Community have featured strongly in the consultation process to date and I intend that the new Disability Inclusion Strategy will respond credibly to the issues raised, including making a real difference in relation to facilitating the use of Irish Sign Language (ISL). For instance one of the actions proposes legislation that will ensure that all public bodies provide ISL users with free ISL interpretation when availing of their statutory services. This would apply to all areas, including the Midlands. In relation to operational issue re service availability, I should mention that funding is provided by Department of Social Protection, via the Citizens Information Board, to support ISL services nationally.