Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Mark Daly for bringing this Bill to the House today. A few years ago, when I served on it, I brought a similar proposal to Limerick City Council. It was one of the first local authorities in the country to pass such a proposition. I welcome all the members of the deaf community here today and thank them for the professional campaign they have run over the past number of weeks. We have had e-mails, letters and various other contacts from people throughout the country. In Limerick, we are fortunate to have a school for the deaf in Rosbrien. I have visited it many times. The Irish Deaf Society also has offices on O'Connell Street and, as late as yesterday, I spoke to one of the people who is involved in it.

I was delighted to pledge my support to this Bill because recognition of Irish Sing Language has been sought for many years. It is important the Minister of State and his Department have indicated that this is being taken seriously. We all know about equality. It is a word that we have often heard, especially in more recent times. This is about having equal rights for everyone, whether one is deaf or can hear, and the sooner Irish Sign Language is recognised as a third language the better. This concerns more than 5,000 people as well as their families, supporters and those who are working on their behalf. Many people volunteer their services in the deaf community also. I pay tribute to them all. They have been involved on a professional and voluntary basis for many years. I hope the Bill receives unanimous support.