Deaf rights campaigners make plea to prevent more tragedies like death of McCarthy brothers

Deaf rights campaigners have pleaded for official recognition for Irish Sign Language to help prevent more tragedies such as the lonely deaths of brothers Daniel and William McCarthy.

The Irish Deaf Society said that, if given official status, Irish Sign Language would have to be used in State services and deaf people would be less at risk of isolation.

Eddie Redmond, the society’s chief executive, said: “The deaf community face huge barriers in accessing services due to the lack of services available through Irish Sign Language.