AQW 49236/22-27

Mr David Honeyford
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 22/06/2026
Answered On Date: 15/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is taking to comply with the Sign Language Act, specifically in relation to neurology and dementia diagnosis services.

Answer:

Whilst the Sign Language Bill was passed in April 2026 in the Northern Ireland Assembly, it has not yet fully progressed to an Act in legislation. Following the Bill transitioning to an Act, there will be the development

of Statutory Guidance and consultation by the Department for Communities (DfC). This will assist all prescribed organisations, in regards to implementation and development of sign language action plans to outline how they will comply with statutory duties under the Sign Language Act.

At that time, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT), including the neurology and dementia diagnosis services, must take all reasonable steps to ensure that information and services provided, will be as accessible to individuals in the d/Deaf community as they are to individuals who are not in the d/Deaf community.