COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 14, 2019

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

That this Council requests the Chief Executive to look at ways in which this Council could hire an Irish Sign Language Interpreter. An interpreter could in turn teach volunteers within the community. Trained volunteers could then assist groups, organisations, sports clubs etc. in the many events we have within our community ‘too many to name’. We ask the Chief Executive to provide a report on this and to make comment on the proposal.

REPORT:

Irish Sign Language is the language which the majority of deaf people use in the Republic of Ireland. The Council often hires the services of ISL Interpreters to public events, to facilitate communication with deaf or hard of hearing staff, and to facilitate meetings where deaf people are participating. The Irish Remote Interpreting Service is also available at Customer Care in both County Hall Tallaght and Civic Offices Clondalkin (Booking is essential). 

The Irish Sign Language Act 2017, Section 7 sets out that public bodies are obliged to engage the services of an Irish Sign Language interpreter that is competent as verified by an accreditation in accordance with an accreditation scheme funded by the Minister for Employment and Social Protection.

The Irish Deaf Society provides courses in learning Irish Sign Language recognised by QQI (Quality and Qualifications of Ireland) and all classes are provided by qualified Irish Sign Language teachers. The motion does not recognise the distinction between an Irish Sign Language Interpreter and a qualified ISL Teacher. As the learning of the language is a service provided by the Irish Deaf Society, and the Council has no remit in this area, it is not considered appropriate or necessary for the local authority to become providers of this service.