Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
413. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider creating a national working group to review the way in which deaf families are identified and supported by Tusla, comprised by deaf professionals, advocacy organisations, representatives from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and representatives of Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62316/25]
View answerThank you for raising this important issue.
I am satisfied that Tusla, as an agile and responsive organisation, is very well placed to tailor its services so that they address the needs of service users and the broader public. Tusla, in conjunction with the Department, welcomes feedback from those in receipt of its services including deaf families their advocates and other involved stakeholders. Their feedback and cooperation with Tusla improves access and supports service improvement.
As you are aware, Tusla, as all state agencies are obliged to, provide its services through Irish Sign Language (ISL), in line with requirements under the ISL Act, (2017), which recognises ISL as an official language of the State.
In addition, Tusla has Disability Access Officers, across its services and around the country. These staff help ensure accessibility of services, where required, to arrange and co-ordinate the provision of additional assistance, or as a point of contact for people with disabilities, wishing to access Tusla services.
