Debate contribution: Sign Language Bill: Final Stage
Debate contribution by Mr Maurice Bradley on .
- MLA
- Mr Maurice Bradley
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 28 April 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- Sign Language Bill: Final Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5510030
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Today marks an important and positive step forward for our society as we reach the Final Stage of the Communities Minister's Sign Language Bill. I join others in welcoming our guests in the Public Gallery. As a member of the Committee for Communities, I have had the privilege of being directly involved in the scrutiny and consideration of the legislation. The Committee Chair has demonstrated that he not only talked the talk but walked the walk, and I congratulate him on that. I record my sincere thanks and congratulations to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee and fellow Committee members past and present for the significant work that was undertaken to bring the Bill to this stage, as well as to the Committee Clerk and staff for all their hard work. The Committee engaged extensively with stakeholders and approached its work with diligence and care to ensure that the Bill was robust and responsive to the needs of those whom it was intended to support. It is also important to recognise that the Bill delivers on a clear manifesto commitment by the Democratic Unionist Party. Therefore, I commend my colleague, the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, for introducing the legislation and delivering on that commitment. That demonstrates the importance of following through promises with meaningful action. The Bill represents real progress in addressing the long-standing gaps faced by those who use sign language as their first language. For too long, individuals in the deaf community have encountered barriers in accessing public services, education and everyday communication. The Bill is a practical and necessary step forward in improving inclusion, recognition and accessibility. While legislation alone cannot resolve every issue, it provides a strong foundation and a clear direction of travel. As we move forward, the focus must now be on effective implementation. The commitments in the Bill must translate into tangible improvements in services, better communication support and enhanced opportunities for sign language users across Northern Ireland. Today is an important milestone for the BSL and ISL community. It reflects the work that has been done and the progress that is still to be made. The Bill sends a clear and positive message about our commitment to building a more inclusive society. I am happy to support the Bill, and I look forward to the difference that it will make in the years ahead.
395 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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