Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
124. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration was given to providing information about leaving school from Citizens Information services (details supplied) through ISL videos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act 2017 assigns responsibilities to the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the funding of a scheme of accreditation for ISL interpreters (Section 7) and the provision of funds to facilitate ISL users with access to specific events, services and other activities, as specified in guidelines (Section 9).
The implementation of these responsibilities was assigned to the Citizens Information Board (CIB), the statutory body under the aegis of my Department.
In 2026 CIB have allocated €1.14m to the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS), which provides Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation services to Deaf users, including €0.40m for the ISL Voucher Scheme.
While the Leaving School leaflet is not available in ISL video format, access to information on public and other services, including supports related to leaving school, is available in Irish Sign Language (ISL) to answer specific queries through appointments at Cabra Citizens Information Centre. This service is located in Deaf Village Ireland, Ratoath Road, Cabra West, Dublin 7. The ISL drop-in service operates on Tuesdays from 10.00am to 12.00 noon. ISL appointments can also be arranged by text on 087 1332232.
In addition, the Sign Language Interpreting Service provides the Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS), which offers a live video link to an ISL interpreter. This service can be booked to support a Citizens Information Centre appointment to respond to information queries including supports related to leaving school. The opening hours for IRIS are as follows:
• Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 8.00pm (last appointment at 7.30pm)
• Saturday: 10.00am – 4.00pm (last appointment at 3.30pm)
• Sunday: 12.00pm – 2.00pm (last appointment at 1.30pm)
My Department also provides ISL interpreters in person and by video to support customer’s interactions with the Department.
CIB are the owners of citizensinformation.ie and have responsibility for updating content and also, making decisions on accessibility for all of the website.
