Chime calls for publication of overdue Report into Irish Sign Language Act

A long overdue Report into the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act is being held back because it is highly critical of many public bodies for their failure to meet their obligations under the Act.

This is according to Chime, the national charity for deafness and hearing loss.

In addition, as part of the obligations of the Act, a voucher scheme, which covered the cost of ISL interpretation hours to Deaf citizens to participate in social, cultural and personal business activities, was successfully trialled for a few months in 2021. Deaf citizens could apply online for ISL support to arrange an appointment with a bank manager, make a will with their solicitor or simply take part in a local community activity without having to worry about who would pay for the interpreter.

Following the trial, the voucher scheme was due to be rolled out widely, but it has stalled and nothing has happened since then.

Breda O’Grady (pictured above) from Dublin used the voucher in its pilot stages to receive training as a barista.

She said, “It meant that I was more independent. I need access to the voucher scheme to support my independence and be able to use more services in the future.”

On the week of the fifth anniversary of the passing of the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act on 14th December 2017, Chime is calling on the Government to publish the long overdue first Report into the Act.

The publication of the Report is being delayed due to an ongoing ‘legal matter’ according to Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability.

A Report on the operation of the Act is required to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas three years after enactment, and every five years thereafter. The National Disability Authority completed its first Report more than a year ago, but it remains unpublished.

Recently, Roderic O’Gorman TD,  Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth was asked about the delay in placing the Report before the Houses of the Oireachtas.  Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, confirmed in a written parliamentary reply that  “a decision was made to delay publication arising from an ongoing legal matter.” She added: “I share the view that implementation of the ISL Act will be strengthened following publication of the first Report on the operation of the ISL Act.”

Commenting on the Minister’s reply, Brendan Lennon, head of advocacy at Chime, said, “We understand that the legal matter allegedly behind the Government’s decision to withhold publication concerns alleged failures under the Act. Surely the Government has learned from our recent past that openness and transparency is the best policy. The Minister has acknowledged that publication of  the Report will strengthen the operation of the Act, and we don’t want Deaf citizens’ rights to be denied any longer.”

Damien Owens, one of Chime’s Deaf Community Lead Officers, was among those who availed of the ISL voucher pilot scheme, using it on a couple of occasions when he attended his dentist.  Damien said, ““Deaf people are increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress under the Irish Sign Language Act.

“The ISL voucher scheme was a tremendous success and I, along with other Deaf people felt we had equal citizenship for the first time in our lives. Yet, more than a year after the pilot scheme ended, we are still in the dark about what will happen next. Deaf people feel let down and disappointed.”

Idalle McGuirk from Cork used the voucher to meet her solicitor to make a will. She said “The voucher scheme was very useful. It made me feel independent and empowered.”

Chime, along with other Deaf organisations, is actively calling on the Government to publish the Report without further delay.

The Act covers important and wide-ranging areas of citizens’ lives, including education, legal proceedings and access to social and cultural activities.

“We don’t accept that an ongoing legal matter can be used as an excuse to continue to withhold publication and restrict the lives of Deaf people.

“The Minister has acknowledged that publishing the Report will strengthen the implementation of the Act, and we strongly  agree with her, concluded Brendan Lennon.