Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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755. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the recognition of Irish sign language as an official language; if the progression of the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013 is a priority for the government; if so, the expected timeframe for its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27266/17]

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 publication of a new National Disability Inclusion Strategy was approved by Government on 30 May and it will be launched shortly. Issues in relation to the Deaf Community featured strongly in the consultation process that underpinned the development of the Strategy, and in my view the Strategy responds credibly to the concerns raised. I can confirm that the Strategy contains the following actions:

- The extension of the hours of the ISL remote interpretation service to evenings and weekends

- The resourcing of the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) to increase the number of trained sign language and deaf interpreters, to put a quality-assurance and registration scheme for interpreters in place and to provide on-going professional training and development.

- Support for legislation to ensure that all public bodies provide ISL users with free interpretation when accessing or availing of their statutory services.

I believe that this approach will make a real and measurable difference in the lives of ISL users. In relation to the PMB referred to, as the Deputy will be aware, the Bill is currently awaiting Committee Stage. As I indicated in my second stage speech on the Bill, it contains provisions that are disproportionate and excessively onerous and requires substantial amendments, and my officials are in ongoing discussion with the sponsors of the Bill in this regard.