Sign language: Bill proposed along with plans for more interpreters

Plans for a sign language bill and more interpreters for the deaf in Northern Ireland have been set out by the communities minister.

Gordon Lyons told the assembly he wanted to ensure deaf people had the same rights and opportunities as those in the hearing community.

Mr Lyons said they must be able to access services in their own language.

He said he would seek approval to introduce a sign language bill to the assembly at the earliest opportunity.

"One of the most pressing issues to ensure accessibility and fuller social integration for the deaf community in Northern Ireland is to increase supply of professionally trained and appropriately accredited interpreters," he said.

"My officials have been engaging with key stakeholders, which includes the deaf community and their representatives, to develop the policy to inform the drafting of clauses for legislation.

"When I have considered these cross-cutting policy proposals in detail I intend to seek executive approval to introduce a sign language bill to the assembly at the earliest opportunity.

"I also intend to seek the resources to put in place the infrastructure necessary to deliver on the intent of the legislation."

'Lack of consistent support'

The British Deaf Association Northern Ireland welcomed both the proposed bill and expansion of interpreter services.

However, it said more was needed.

"There is a lack of consistent support for learning signing for deaf babies and children across Northern Ireland," a spokesperson said.

"Families have the financial burden of paying to learn sign language to communicate with their own children.

"The current situation leads to the isolation of deaf children from their communities and families.

"We anticipate that the minister's bill will address this issue."

The British Sign Language Act received Royal Assent in April 2022.

It provided legal recognition of British sign language as a language in England, Wales and Scotland, but the relevant law was devolved in Northern Ireland.

The act also created a duty for the government to report on progress towards greater promotion and use of sign language in government communication with the public.

A sign language act was signed into law in the Republic of Ireland in 2017.

It provided for the recognition of Irish Sign Language, its use in legal proceedings and the provision of interpretation into sign language by public bodies.