Sign Language at the Assembly

The Nothern Ireland Assembly provides content in British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL).

This includes:

• • Sign language interpretation for one Question Time each week
  • Sign language interpretation for some other Assembly debates
  • Videos that explain what the Assembly does and how it works.

Watch: How does the Assembly use Sign Language to connect with the Deaf Community? (BSL)

Watch: How does the Assembly use Sign Language to connect with the Deaf Community? (ISL)

Common words used in the Assembly

Some words and phrases that are used in the Assembly may be new to you. Here is a list of some common words used in the Assembly, explained in BSL and ISL:

• • Assembly terms in sign language

Question Time and other content in BSL and ISL

• • Content with British Sign Language (BSL)
  • Content with Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Sign Language Act

Northern Ireland now has a Sign Language Act. This legislation was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly by the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, on Monday 10 February 2025, and it received Royal Assent (became law) on 9 July 2026. All the debates relating to this legislation can be found here:

• • Watch the coverage of the Sign Language Bill in the Assembly
  • Read the Bill and the final Sign Language Act

Videos that explain what the Assembly does and how it works

• • Video tour of Parliament Buildings with BSL interpretation
  • Video tour of Parliament Buildings with ISL interpretation
  • The Assembly and the Executive (BSL)
  • Chamber Tour (BSL)