AQO 618/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/06/2024
Answered On Date: 18/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities when the Sign Language Bill will be introduced.

Answer:

I have previously stated my commitment for members of the Deaf community to have the same rights and opportunities as those in the hearing community, and therefore my commitment to a Sign Language Bill.

To that end, I am currently considering cross-cutting policy proposals to inform the drafting of clauses for a Sign Language Bill which I have included in my Department’s proposed legislative programme for 2024-27 under year 2 – that is September 2024 to July 2025.

It is then my intention to present a paper to my Executive colleagues, seeking approval for the drafting of a Sign Language Bill, subject to which I hope to introduce a Bill to the Assembly before the end of this calendar year.