Written answers
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
Department of Justice and Equality
Irish Sign Language
Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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1090. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 by the Courts Service. [13491/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 is a matter for the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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1091. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 by the Prison Service. [13492/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that the Irish Prison Service has informed and updated all prison governors across the estate of the requirements under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017. People in custody can request the assistance of an interpreter in a particular language, including Irish Sign language.
Across the prison estate, contact details for the Sign Language Interpreting Service (the national Sign Language interpreting service for Ireland), the Directory of Registered Interpreters and practical information on selecting the right interpreter are in place.
Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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1092. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 by An Garda Síochána. [13493/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, this information was not received in time, however, I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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1093. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 by the Legal Aid Board. [13494/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Legal Aid Board provides legal advice and aid under the relevant terms of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996-2017. Section 3(3) of the Act provides that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
Notwithstanding the Legal Aid Board’s independence, I can however assure the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board is fully aware of its obligations under the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act 2017 and that the organisation arranges for a registered ISL interpreter where this service is required.
The Legal Aid Board has indicated that it will provide any additional information directly to the Deputy if requested.
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