Fears for future of sign language service

Ireland's only sign language interpreting service is facing closure if it cannot secure the funding it needs to ensure its future.

Irish Sign Link is a non-profit making organisation established to help deaf people access essential services.

The Government has agreed to provide €25,000 in emergency funding to help the service survive until a long-term source of finance can be found.

Social and Family Affairs Minister, Mary Coughlan, has said that Sign Link is a vital service in the deaf community.