Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has welcomed the second stage of the Sign Language Bill being completed.
The party’s communities spokesperson was speaking after the Assembly voted to move ahead to the next stage of scrutinising the legislation:
“Campaigners have tirelessly fought for the introduction of this vital bill to ensure that both Irish and British sign language are recognised as the vibrant languages that they are.
“These languages are integral to the lives of so many people in our communities, yet there remain significant barriers for users of these languages.
“At the heart of the Sign Language Bill is the issue of equality ensuring those who are deaf are able to access education, health, justice and many other public services.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with language users, the minister and the other parties as this bill progresses further and we press ahead with the positive change it will deliver.”
