Explanatory note

Northern Ireland

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings into operation on 23rd September 2026 the following provisions of the Sign Language Act (Northern Ireland) 2026—

(a)

section 1 (Official recognition of sign languages);

(b)

section 2 (Promotion of interests by lead department);

(c)

section 4 (Organisations to be listed in regulations);

(d)

section 5 (Department to issue guidance);

(e)

section 6 (Best practice to be in guidance);

(f)

section 7 (Department may make regulations);

(g)

section 8 (Procedure for making regulations);

(h)

section 9 (Department’s manner of engagement);

(i)

section 10 (Department to publish 3-yearly reports);

(j)

section 11 (Accreditation of teachers and interpreters);

(k)

section 12 (Members of the deaf community);

(l)

section 13 (Different forms of sign languages);

(m)

section 14 (Everyday reliance on sign languages.