The Irish Sign Language Act 2017, which was signed into law almost exactly three years ago, has been welcomed as a landmark piece of legislation by the Irish Deaf Society among others.

It enshrines in law that the “community of persons using Irish Sign Language shall have the right to use, develop and preserve Irish Sign Language”, as well as setting out new requirements and obligations on public bodies for the provision of ISL services.

Section 4 of the Act provides that “every court has, in any proceedings before it, the duty to do all that is reasonable to ensure that any person competent in Irish Sign Language and who cannot hear or understand English or Irish appearing in or giving evidence before it may be heard in that language, if that is his or her choice”.

Anne Rabbitte, minister of state with responsibility for discrimination, said: “I would like to acknowledge the huge amount of work that has gone into realising this legislation, in particular my colleagues in Seanad Éireann, none more so that the Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly whose tireless championing of this cause is commendable.

“However, above all, this day belongs to the Deaf community, the roughly 50,000 people who communicate in ISL on a daily basis as part of their work, or interactions with family and the 5,000 within that number who are native Deaf signers whose preferred language is ISL. They and those before them have long called for this moment. To them I say congratulations and that I hope and believe this legislation makes our country a better place for each and every one of you.

“Much work has been completed in getting our public services ready for commencement but I am also very aware that commencement does not mean completed. There is significant and evolving short and long-term work remaining to be done. I am committed to making sure that this is accomplished and, in accordance with Section 10 of the Act, I have arranged for the preparation of a report on the Irish Sign Language Act to be completed in 2021. This will give a clear picture of where we are and what is needed next to ensure the Act delivers for our ISL community.”

Speaking earlier this month, Lianne Quigley, chairperson of the Irish Deaf Society, said: “Irish people have become familiar with seeing signers on their televisions during the pandemic but would be less familiar with the struggles Deaf people face accessing every day services that most can take for granted. The commencement of the Act is a very positive step forward.”