Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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51. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to have Irish Sign Language recognised as an official language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14692/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I consider that it is appropriate and necessary that the needs of users of Irish Sign Language (ISL) in the State are met, particularly when questions of statutory entitlement or obligations are at issue. In this respect, as the Deputy will be aware the Department of Justice and Equality has recently concluded a three-phase consultation process with a view to developing a new National Disability Inclusion Strategy, which will be submitted for consideration to Government shortly. Issues in relation to the Deaf Community featured strongly in the consultation process, and I intend that the new Strategy will respond credibly. I can confirm that the Strategy contains an action that proposes legislation that will ensure that all public bodies provide ISL users with free interpretation when availing of or seeking their statutory services. I believe that this approach will make a real and measurable difference in the lives of ISL users.

As the Deputy will be aware, a Private Members' Bill, the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016, is currently awaiting Committee Stage. I will be finalising my proposals for amendments to the Bill in early course and I look forward to a substantive discussion on all the issues involved, including formal recognition of ISL as a language used by the Deaf Community, at that time.