Menu
31/03/2004
British and Irish Sign Languages now official
Both British and Irish Sign Languages are now officially recognised in Northern Ireland.
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy last night announced the news during a special reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the success of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
"I am pleased to announce formal recognition for both British and Irish Sign Languages in Northern Ireland," Mr Murphy said. "This follows a statement made last year by my colleague, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who announced similar recognition for British Sign Language in GB.
"Sign Language is the preferred means of communication of 4,500 of the 17,000 people in the Province who are severely or profoundly deaf and, of course, it is also used by a significant number of their families and friends.
"As well as helping to raise awareness of the particular requirements of deaf people, this recognition will also see the 11 Northern Ireland Government Departments joining forces to work proactively in partnership with representatives of the Deaf community to develop ideas for improving access to public services."
The Secretary of State explained that such improvements could, for example, include the provision of more tutors of sign language, better interpretation services and the installation of specialist equipment in public offices. He added: "Effective communication is an essential tool in everyday life. Whether it is through the medium of English, Irish, Ulster-Scots, the languages of our minority ethnic communities or sign language, people should always be encouraged to interact with each other.
"As we strive to build a truly inclusive society in Northern Ireland, it is therefore important to recognise the different languages which are used and to give them the respect they deserve."
(MB)
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy last night announced the news during a special reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the success of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
"I am pleased to announce formal recognition for both British and Irish Sign Languages in Northern Ireland," Mr Murphy said. "This follows a statement made last year by my colleague, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who announced similar recognition for British Sign Language in GB.
"Sign Language is the preferred means of communication of 4,500 of the 17,000 people in the Province who are severely or profoundly deaf and, of course, it is also used by a significant number of their families and friends.
"As well as helping to raise awareness of the particular requirements of deaf people, this recognition will also see the 11 Northern Ireland Government Departments joining forces to work proactively in partnership with representatives of the Deaf community to develop ideas for improving access to public services."
The Secretary of State explained that such improvements could, for example, include the provision of more tutors of sign language, better interpretation services and the installation of specialist equipment in public offices. He added: "Effective communication is an essential tool in everyday life. Whether it is through the medium of English, Irish, Ulster-Scots, the languages of our minority ethnic communities or sign language, people should always be encouraged to interact with each other.
"As we strive to build a truly inclusive society in Northern Ireland, it is therefore important to recognise the different languages which are used and to give them the respect they deserve."
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 April 2004
Human Rights Commission welcomes sign language recognition
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission today welcomed last week's announcement that the Government has formally recognised British and Irish Sign Languages as minority languages in Northern Ireland.
Human Rights Commission welcomes sign language recognition
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission today welcomed last week's announcement that the Government has formally recognised British and Irish Sign Languages as minority languages in Northern Ireland.
19 September 2019
NI Council Introduces Digital Sign Language System
Communication will hopefully become a little easier for deaf residents and visitors to the North Coast, thanks to a new digital sign language system.
NI Council Introduces Digital Sign Language System
Communication will hopefully become a little easier for deaf residents and visitors to the North Coast, thanks to a new digital sign language system.
04 July 2024
Voting Underway Across Northern Ireland
Poll are open across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide General Election. A total of 136 candidates are competing across 18 constituencies. 127 of the candidates represent 11 total political parties, with the other 9 standing as independents. Eligible voters can cast their vote until 10pm tonight.
Voting Underway Across Northern Ireland
Poll are open across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide General Election. A total of 136 candidates are competing across 18 constituencies. 127 of the candidates represent 11 total political parties, with the other 9 standing as independents. Eligible voters can cast their vote until 10pm tonight.
11 July 2024
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
28 November 2012
NI Under-Performing On Foreign Languages
Northern Ireland is under-prepared to meet its need for linguists in the future, according to a new report. The British Council warned Northern Ireland needs to give learning foreign languages a higher priority. It said NI was "a long way from being self-sufficient in producing linguists in languages likely to be needed" by its businesses.
NI Under-Performing On Foreign Languages
Northern Ireland is under-prepared to meet its need for linguists in the future, according to a new report. The British Council warned Northern Ireland needs to give learning foreign languages a higher priority. It said NI was "a long way from being self-sufficient in producing linguists in languages likely to be needed" by its businesses.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
