Written answers

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Irish Sign Language

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

303. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the progress made to date in respect of implementing the recommendations specific to his Department outlined in the Report on the Operation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 to improve the functioning of the ISL Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22770/23]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is fully committed to ensuring that customers who wish to use Irish Sign Language can do so. My officials have engaged with the National Sign Language Interpreting Service for Ireland to provide access to our services through Irish Remote Interpreting Services (IRIS).

In line with our commitment to making our services accessible to all our customers, this service is free. Currently customers can avail of a live video-link to an Irish Sign Language interpreter, details of which are available on the Department's website www.enterprise.gov.ie.

In addition, my officials have contacted all agencies under its remit to make them aware of their obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 and ensure they make Irish Sign Language interpreting services available to their customers.

My Department is committed to monitoring on an ongoing basis the level of demand for services to be provided in Irish Sign Language and responding to those demands in a planned, coherent, and accessible way.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.