There is a significant shortage of trained sign language interpreters for deaf people in many parts of the State with some 26 out of 50 based in Dublin, a new report has found.
Minister for Social Affairs Seamus Brennan today published the
Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service Requirements in Ireland
and said it was "an important milestone" in the development of a high-quality and more accessible service for 5,000 deaf people.
Seamus Brennan
The report recommends that a new statutory service be established and that it should develop a website and provide a central booking service via email.
It also finds that new technology, such as videophones, could be used to significantly improve access to sign language services.
"It is estimated that there are 50 sign language interpreters in Ireland at present, with 44 on the database of Irish Sign Link which was set up in the late 1990s by the National Rehabilitation Board. These interpreters are freelance and self-employed, and some are part time," Mr Brennan said.
"As 26 of these are currently working in Dublin a significant shortage of interpreters in many parts of the rest of the country has been identified."
The Minister also noted the lack of any formal accreditation or registration system for Irish sign language/English interpreters in Ireland.
"It is clear from this report that what has emerged from consultations with the main stakeholders is the definite need and demand for a high quality, well resourced and well managed interpretative service for deaf people.
"The service needs to have a reliable booking service, well-trained interpreters, and to be able to provide access to interpretation services in rural as well as urban areas," he added.
The new service would replace the service currently provided by Irish Sign Link, set up in the late 1990s by the National Rehabilitation Board. Mr Brennan said he had made funding available this year for the new service and he hoped to provide further funding next year.
Those who use the interpretation service include deaf people, State and semi-state bodies, and a range of voluntary and private organisations. The education sector and the Courts Service are among its main users.