Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the Irish sign language voucher scheme and when will it be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7775/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 103 together.

Section 9 of the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act, 2017 assigns responsibility to the Minister for Social Protection to provide funds to facilitate users of ISL to access social, educational and cultural events and services (including medical) and other activities.

I have assigned the implementation of this important responsibility to the Citizens Information Board (CIB), the statutory body under the aegis of my Department, which in turn assigned delivery to its relevant Service Delivery Company, the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS).

Following a four-month pilot of an "ISL Voucher Scheme" in 2021 by SLIS, supported by my Department and CIB, I was delighted to see the commencement of the Scheme on a permanent basis from 2nd October 2023. A funding allocation has been secured by my Department for the Scheme for 2024.

On 9th February last, my Department became aware that the ISL Voucher Scheme was due to cease temporarily with effect from 20th February. Following an urgent meeting requested and chaired by my Department on 13th February, with CIB and SLIS, all parties re-affirmed their respective commitments to the Scheme and recognised its vital role in supporting members of the Deaf community to fully participate in society. At that meeting, CIB and SLIS agreed a pathway forward to allow the Scheme to continue.

A joint statement from all three organisations accompanied by an ISL video version, issued last week confirming the continued commitment to the voucher scheme. As I am sure you will understand, I believe it is imperative that this statement and the message therein is communicated to the Deaf community first and foremost, and in a format that ensures its accessibility.

As previously stated, I am fully committed to the ISL Voucher Scheme now and into the future, and I am happy that a pathway forward has been agreed to ensure the continued delivery of the ISL Voucher scheme past the 20th February.