622. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are plans to offer Irish Sign Language as a Leaving Certificate subject; if so, the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30877/26]

There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to develop a new curriculum for Irish Sign Language (ISL) for primary and post-primary students up to Leaving Certificate level.  In addition, my Department's Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy contains an action committing to developing a curriculum at primary and post-primary level for ISL to support the learning of ISL and learning in other areas for ISL users.

There are four modules on Irish Sign Language (ISL) currently available as part of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. This course introduces students to ISL, and aims to develop their expressive and receptive communication skills. The course also develops awareness and appreciation of the Irish deaf community and its culture.

Opportunities for students to learn ISL are also available during Transition Year. Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within set guidelines, to suit the needs and interests of its students. In establishing it's own distinctive programme content, the school takes into account the possibilities offered by local community interests.??

The NCCA is currently working on the development of an Irish Sign Language (ISL) curriculum.   This work reflects the commitment to ensuring that there is a standard ISL pathway for learners, both as a first language and as an additional language, and a possibility of a qualification in ISL for students which can be used to access third level education.

In September 2025, NCCA established the ISL Expert Working Group, bringing together specialist expertise in ISL linguistics, Deaf education, relevant policy developments and current ISL practice. This group meets regularly to support the development work.

In recent months, work has focused on engagement with primary and post-primary schools to gather the views of ISL learners, parents, teachers, school leaders, educational professions and the wider Deaf community. This work has provided valuable insights on current ISL education, as well as perspectives on a shared vision for the development of an ISL Curriculum.

These engagements, alongside initial research, have informed the development of a Background Paper for the development of an ISL Curriculum. This paper set out the key considerations and contextual factors that will support the design and development of the curriculum.

The paper was published by the NCCA last month and is now open for public consultation until May 8th. The consultation provides an opportunity for educational professionals, parents and the wider public to have their say on the paper.

Following the consultation, feedback will be analysed and a report will be developed to inform the next phase of curriculum development. Given the complexities involved in the project and the need to respond appropriately to the results of the consultation, it is not possible at present to provide the Deputy with a timeline.