Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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351. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 by his Department and by agencies which operate under the remit of his Department. [8235/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Sign Language Act, 2017, recognises Irish Sign Language (ISL) as a native language of the State and provides that the “community of persons using ISL shall have the right to use, develop and preserve Irish Sign Language”.

My Department is committed to meeting the requirements of the Act to do all that is reasonable to ensure free ISL translation services for ISL users when that person is seeking to avail of or access statutory entitlements or services provided by or under Statute. It should be noted that my Department does not operate any public offices, nor does it generally supply direct services to the public.

The only State body currently under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board which is an independent statutory body, established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 and consisting of a chairman and two ordinary members. The Secretary to the Board is provided from the staff of my Department and therefore, any service requests will be supplied by my Department.

My Department has appointed a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO). The Disability Liaison Officer acts as the point of contact for colleagues with disabilities and provides assistance and support by providing information, appropriate contacts, guidance, suggestions, and advice. They are also available to facilitate members of the public in availing of services offered by my Department when required.

My Department will continue to engage with the National Disability Authority (NDA) and will uphold its responsibility to report on performance, and ensure public bodies under its aegis are also accountable.