AQW 3411/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 22/09/2022
Answered On Date: 30/09/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to provide an update on the work currently being undertaken by her Department to produce legislation on sign language.

Answer:

My officials are finalising work on proposals for a Sign Language Bill through continued engagement with Deaf groups. However, given the cross cutting nature of such proposals, legislation cannot proceed without Executive approval.

I remain committed to bringing forward Sign Language legislation built on the principles of equality and social inclusion in ensuring that the Deaf community here have the same rights and opportunities as those in the hearing community and are able to access services in their own language.