Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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532. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit are meeting obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17427/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs recognizes the right of Irish Sign Language users to use Irish Sign Language as their native language in accordance with the Irish Sign Language Act 2017. The Department has provided and will continue to provide Irish Sign Language Interpreters to assist employees who are deaf when required.

The Passport Service, as a public office, has a dedicated member of staff who interprets with members of the public when availing of its passport services. A member of the public who may require the assistance of an Irish Sign Language Interpreter while interacting with the Passport Service can indicate this when booking their appointment online. A dedicated member of staff will be available to interpret and assist during their appointment schedule.