Independents 4 Change TD Mick Wallace in the Dáil earlier this afternoon (top) and later this evening (above)

This afternoon in the Dáil.

Independents 4 Change TD Mick Wallace, among other TDs, raised the financial constraints besetting the Irish Deaf Society – after a quick changing of clothes.

The IDS – which provides services to 50,000 people across Ireland and held an emergency meeting last Saturday – is afraid it will have to close services, and possibly the organisation, due to lack of funding.

Mr Wallace said the IDS is seeking €150,000 so it won’t have to close in March.

The fears of closure come just a year after Irish Sign Language became an official language of the State.

During his contribution, Mr Wallace said:

“Ceann Comhairle, I noticed that you like my unusual shirt and I can tell you that I…I was asked to wear it in solidarity with the people of Malawi by the Irish ambassador to Malawi Gerry Cunningham.

“And I’m wearing it today in solidarity with the people of Malawi but also in solidarity with people, the most special group, the Irish Deaf Society. Please, minister, get the Government to do the right thing.”

Announcement – Update on IDS at risk of closure (Irish Deaf Society)