The national charity for deafness and hearing loss, Chime, has said a report into the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act has been stalled because it is highly critical of public bodies for failing to meet obligations under the act.
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act.
A report on its operation is required to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas three years after enactment, and every five years after that.
The first report was completed by the National Disability Authority over a year ago, but remains unpublished.
Recently, Minister for Equality Roderic O'Gorman was asked about the delay in placing the report before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Anne Rabbitte confirmed in a written parliamentary reply that "a decision was made to delay publication arising from an ongoing legal matter".
She added: "I share the view that implementation of the ISL Act will be strengthened following publication of the first report on the operation of the ISL Act."
Head of advocacy at Chime, Brendon Lennon, said deaf citizens’ rights should not be denied any longer and called for publication without delay.
Chime has also pointed out that the establishment of a mechanism to enable the delivery of supports under the act has been stalled.
That mechanism was to enable deaf citizens to participate in social, cultural and personal business activities, such as a night class or a meeting with a bank manager to apply for a mortgage.
In a statement, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth acknowledged that there had been a delay in laying the report before the Houses, and subsequently publishing it, due to an ongoing legal matter.
However, it said that publication of the report has remained under review.
It said that due to developments over the course of the year it was felt in recent weeks that publication of the report could again be pursued.
A spokesperson said that following engagement between relevant departments over recent weeks, Minister O'Gorman and Minister Rabbitte agreed on 12 December to seek Cabinet approval for publication of the report.
A memo for Government is being prepared for Cabinet consideration in January.
"Dependent on the approval of the Government, it is intended to publish the report, alongside the ISL translation, in January."
A voucher scheme, which covered the cost of Irish Sign Language interpretation hours to deaf people to participate in social, cultural and personal business activities, was successfully trialled for a few months in 2021.
Deaf citizens could apply online for ISL support to arrange an appointment with a bank manager, make a will with their solicitor or take part in a local community activity without having to worry about who would pay for the interpreter.
Following the trial, the voucher scheme was due to be rolled out widely, but according to Chime, nothing has happened since then.
One of Chime's Deaf Community Lead Officers Damien Owens was among those who availed of the ISL voucher pilot scheme - using it on a couple of occasions when he attended his dentist.
He described the scheme as a "tremendous success", pointing out that he, along with other deaf people felt they had equal citizenship for the first time in their lives.
"Yet, more than a year after the pilot scheme ended, we are still in the dark about what will happen next. Deaf people feel let down and disappointed," he said.
Breda O'Grady from Dublin used the voucher to receive training as a barista which meant she was more independent.
"I need access to the voucher scheme to support my independence and be able to use more services in the future," she said.
