Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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455. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure that higher institutes of education and other third-level educational institutions offer Irish Sign Language as a subject through measures such as specific modules or dedicated degree programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23046/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Higher Education Institutions are autonomous with regard to their academic affairs, including in relation to the degree programmes and modules they offer. It is my understanding that a number of HEIs currently offer courses or modules involving Irish Sign Language (ISL).

Trinity College Dublin, through its Centre for Deaf Studies offers a number of courses that allow students to learn or improve in ISL. The most comprehensive of these is the Bachelor in Deaf Studies, a four year honours degree course which provides a comprehensive introduction to the Deaf Community and ISL. It includes pathways for those to wish to enter ISL teaching or ISL/English interpreting.

Trinity’s Centre for Deaf Studies also offers at ten-week part-time Introduction to Irish Sign Language, and a 24 week Irish Sign Language for Beginners Course.

The Institute of Education at Dublin City University has developed a Bachelor of Education - Irish Sign Language Pathway (Restricted Entry) as a pilot programme and is awaiting approval for the course from the Department of Education. The Bachelor of Education (ISL) will prepare students for a career as a Primary School Teacher in the deaf education sector where they can make a lasting impact on young deaf and hard of hearing children and on society.

University College Dublin (UCD) offer an Applied Language Centre module for students who have no previous knowledge of Irish Sign Language (ISL). The aim is for students to develop a basic knowledge of signs so that they are able to participate in simple everyday communicative situations.

The Munster Technological University (MTU) offers a Certificate in Irish Sign Language (ISL) as a special purpose award. The Certificate in Irish Sign Language gives students access to practical ISL skills and insight into the world of the Irish deaf community. The programme is delivered in a blended format part-time over one academic year.