To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on work to provide a pathway for sign language interpreters through enhanced training.

My Department is currently investing in an Interpreter Training Programme delivered by Foyle Deaf Association which provides for the training and registering of six British Sign Language (BSL) and six Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters. As two students have left the programme, four ISL student interpreters remain.

In addition, my Department is providing funding to Queen’s University Centre for Translation and Interpreting to deliver a two-year MA in Interpreting for up to 20 Deaf and hearing students which launched in September 2024 and which will further boost capacity.

My Department also financially supports students to acquire the linguistic qualifications necessary to access an Interpreter Training Programme to ensure a continued supply of suitable candidates.

However, the use of BSL and ISL interpreters by the Deaf community is an issue for all departments and public bodies and therefore will require resources in addition to my Department’s investment. I have highlighted this matter to my Executive colleagues, and my officials continue to work with other departments to quantify the requirements and how best to address them.