Madam, - We broadly welcome the initiative of Minister Eamon Ó Cuív and Foras na Gaeilge in setting up an accreditation system for translators into and out of the Irish language.
Our association has a vetting procedure for translators who wish to apply for professional membership. We are also about to introduce an examination for certified translators - i.e. those who translate legal or semi-legal documents.
We wonder, however, when other bodies such as the Garda, the Courts Service, hospitals, the office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, Safepass courses, etc will introduce an accreditation system for translators and even more importantly, for interpreters who work for them.
A great deal of money is being spent on translation and interpreting but there is absolutely no quality control. Literally anybody who speaks two languages can work in these areas without any training or qualifications. - Yours, etc,
MARY PHELAN Honorary Secretary, Irish Translators' and Interpreters' Association, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.