Deaf lobby group says BAI 'doesn't care' about people with hearing problems

An organisation representing deaf people has said that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland "simply doesn't care" about people with hearing problems.

DeafHear said that the authority has failed to deliver a single TV programme with sign language presentation this year.

Head of Information Brendan Lennon said that the authority's Sound and Vision grant scheme is funded with public monies, and it is obliged to treat all citizens equally.

"We've been criticising the BAI behind closed doors for the best part of 10 years now," said Mr Lennon.

"We have legislation, the disability act in particular that says that public monies are meant to be spent on services that are fully accessible to all citizens."

"And in this instance, the BAI are spending public monies through the Sound and Vision scheme, and to date, not one programme has been made with sign language presentation."