Submitted by:
Winnie Ewing,
Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged:
Thursday, 10 February 2000
Motion reference: S1M-00529
Current status:Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 16 February 2000
That the Parliament notes that the British Sign Language is used as an essential communication tool by a substantial number of people in Scotland and has a strong historic tradition; recognises the pressure on interpreters who are in constant demand particularly in rural areas; notes that the British Deaf Association is seeking review of the recognition, rights and support applied to the language; expresses the hope that the Scottish Executive will assist the process by taking actions to implement the European Parliament's recognition of Sign Language as an official language in each of the member states, and recognises the importance and necessity of British Sign Language by integrating signing into the plenary sessions of the Parliament.