Imagine having to visit the doctor or the dentist and not being able to communicate your symptoms without the presence of an interpreter. Imagine not being able to receive a proper education because your teachers could not speak your language. And all of this in the country where you were born, a country where your language is not valued, where your minority status means that staff working in public services are under no obligation to attempt to communicate in your language.

I suspect all those at Saturday's Pobal demonstration would have been able to make themselves understood in English had they chosen to do so, but many people are born in Ireland every year who will never be able to communicate in either written or spoken English. These native born Irish people have had their own language suppressed to such an extent, that many of them will report being punished and even physically restrained at school for attempting to use their own language – sign language.

If we are to believe Gerry Adams, he has already been promised £6 million (17.06.08) for the promotion of the Irish language, yet every Irish speaker is able, should they so wish, to understand and avail of services provided in English. Many deaf people struggle to communicate in either written or spoken English.

What is being done for our deaf citizens to enable them to access services in their native first language?

AJC
(Name and address supplied)