AQO 618/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities when the Sign Language Bill will be introduced.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 6 June 2024
- Answered
- Oral
- Tabled
- 6 June 2024
- Answer due by
- 18 June 2024
- Answered
- 18 June 202412 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
I have previously stated my commitment for members of the Deaf community to have the same rights and opportunities as those in the hearing community, and therefore my commitment to a Sign Language Bill.
To that end, I am currently considering cross-cutting policy proposals to inform the drafting of clauses for a Sign Language Bill which I have included in my Department’s proposed legislative programme for 2024-27 under year 2 – that is September 2024 to July 2025.
It is then my intention to present a paper to my Executive colleagues, seeking approval for the drafting of a Sign Language Bill, subject to which I hope to introduce a Bill to the Assembly before the end of this calendar year.