Sign Language Interpreting Service welcomes New Chairperson Rónán Lowry

Rónán Lowry has been appointed as the new Chairperson for the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS).

“I am delighted to take up the role of Chairperson of Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) at such an exciting time. I look forward to working closely with all of our key stakeholders, such as the Deaf community, Irish Sign Language (ISL) Interpreters, and public & private service providers, so that Deaf people can exercise their rights and entitlements under the Irish Sign Language, Equal Status and Disability Acts. Our strategy focuses on expanding our existing services, innovation and research in the ISL Interpreting and Deaf community. Including the App for the Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS), Regulatory Centre for Irish Sign Language Interpreters Ireland (RISLI) and Voucher Scheme. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the SLIS team to achieve the goals in those areas.”

Other changes on the SLIS board include, Mr. Haaris Sheikh who assumes the role of Vice-Chairperson and Secretary who will supporting the board in a number of areas including Chair of the HR Sub-committee and Governance. Haaris comes with a wealth of expertise in HR and has been extensively involved within the Deaf and interpreting community for several years. Ms. Susan Whelan has also been appointed to the SLIS Board and her extensive experience in the Deaf community and interpreting community will be great assets.

Rónán takes over from Caroline McGrotty, who joined the Board of SLIS in 2012 and became Chairperson in 2020. “Caroline has been a longstanding member of the SLIS Board and, as its Director and Chairperson, has overseen a period of tremendous growth and development over the years. We are extremely grateful for all of her extraordinary leadership, expertise, thoughts, insights, and experience towards the growth of the SLIS.”

“I would also like to acknowledge with thanks to Nuala Crowe-Taft, who served as Chairperson from 2019 until late 2020. Her leadership as Chairperson has been extraordinary to ensure that the SLIS service is still available for the Deaf community during these challenging times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. I thank her for that, and I wish her all the best.”

“It is important to remember that the board directors served on the board voluntarily; we appreciate their dedication and willingness to provide their expertise, time and knowledge for the SLIS. To conclude, I would like to thank the team of the SLIS for ensuring that the vital services are running and still providing the service to the Deaf community to access public and social services during the pandemic challenging times” said Rónán.

SLIS Directors: Ronan Lowry (Chairperson), Haaris Sheikh (Secretary), Peter Hughes, Susan O’Callaghan and Susan Whelan.

Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) was established in 2007 through the Citizens Information Board.  Our vision is to ensure that Deaf people live as full and equal citizens

SLIS works to enhance easy access to high quality sign language interpreting to public, social and other services relevant to the everyday lives of Deaf citizens who are users of ISL, through the provision of core SLIS services.

SLIS services – what we do

• A Referral Service – to identify ISL interpreters and link to your communication needs. – Text: 087 980 6996  Email: bookings@slis.ie
• Access service – to support the Deaf community overcome access barriers to interpreting – Text: 087 980 6996  Email: bookings@slis.ie
• GP access – to arrange interpreting for GP / primary care appointments, with the HSE Text: 087 980 6996  Email: bookings@slis.ie
• Social fund – to arrange and pay for interpreters for funerals and hardship cases Text: 087 980 6996  Email: bookings@slis.ie
• 24/7 emergency service for interpreters – legal or medical emergencies only – Text: 087 672 5179
• Support quality and the operation of a national register of sign language interpreting website – risli.ie   Email: admin@rilsi.ie
• SLIS is trialling a “Voucher Scheme” for access to interpreting for Social and cultural activities – Website www.slis.ie/voucher, Email: bookings@slis.ie

• IRIS – Irish Remote Interpreting Service
  • To book an appointment online, https://iris2.gettimely.com/
  • Text 086 012 5900
  • Email remote@slis.ie

In 2021, IRIS and CIB piloted a bespoke software application for IRIS, which is currently being evaluated.

SLIS is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board

For media queries please contact:
John Stewart, National Manager SLIS,   

087 650 6651      Email john.stewart@slis.ie