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President signs Irish Sign Language bill into law

Irish Sign Language is used by 5,000 members of the deaf community
Irish Sign Language is used by 5,000 members of the deaf community

President Michael D Higgins has signed the Irish Sign Language Bill and it has become law.  

The legislation  passed all stages in the Dáil earlier this month.

Irish Sign Language, or ISL, is used by 5,000 members of the deaf community and thousands of others to communicate with them.

Amongst other measures, the Bill formally recognises ISL and the rights of users when accessing state services and in court proceedings.