Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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504. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will have regard to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26346/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In line with The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 Act, my Department provides for an extensive range of supports to assist pupils and young persons with special educational needs, including children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, to ensure that children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs.  Many pupils who are Deaf or hard of hearing are integrated into mainstream classes at primary and post-primary level, while other children may attend special schools or classes.

The primary language curriculum has an outcome that provides schools with the scope to explore linguistic diversity. Teachers can encourage children to reflect on the experience of speaking or being exposed to languages that are different to the school languages, English and Irish, for example.  This could equally apply to ISL.

Currently at post primary school level, a short course in Irish Sign Language (ISL) is available as part of the new Junior Cycle. In addition, there are four modules on Sign Language available as part of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme.  There is also an opportunity for students to learn sign language in the course of Transition Year.