Review sought over failure to provide deaf man with interpreter in court
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A case in which a court failed to offer a deaf man an interpreter has prompted calls for a review, the Irish Examiner reports.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has been asked to look into the case which saw the man prosecuted without being offered any assistance.
Charity Chime told Ms McEntee the prosecution fell foul of legislation and is seeking an assurance such a situation will not recur.
The man was arrested for a driving offence and was provided with legal aid. Yet at no stage was he offered an Irish sign language (ISL) interpreter, Chime said.
The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 provides that public bodies have a responsibility to take steps to ensure ISL interpretation is provided when a deaf person is using public services.
Brendan Lennon, director of advocacy at Chime, said it could be an “isolated incident” as it would be uncommon for a deaf person to appear before the courts. “In the first instance, there has to be learning here,” he said. “There has to be a reassurance that this kind of thing won’t happen again.”
The legislation requires that a review is undertaken of its operation every three years. The first one is expected soon.
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