Madam, - In her article on the appeals procedure for asylum seekers (October 20th), Carol Coulter raises again, rightly and not for the first time, the issue of "quality and consistency of language interpretation" during interviews held by the Refugees Appeal tribunal.
Through representations received from its members, the Irish Translators' and Interpreters' Association has been aware for several years that all is not well in the process of hiring interpreters for the Refugee Section of the Department of Justice, ranging from lack of transparency in the awarding of contracts in the past to current practices and working conditions.
Professional interpreters work according to a code of ethics where impartiality, confidentiality, faithful rendition, high level of linguistic and communication skills, preparation and professional conduct are adhered to at all times. They also command a remuneration commensurate with the practice of a highly skilled profession often carried out under extreme pressure, and expect a minimum standard of working conditions.
According to representations received, professionals who have been called upon, through external contractors, to work in several areas of the refugee assessment process have frequently met with extremely poor working conditions (in terms of notice, cancellations, information and during the conduct of interviews), extremely low levels of remuneration and a total lack of awareness on the part of the officials involved as to what the role of an interpreter is.
They have also apparently been made aware that, should they have any complaints, there would be no shortage of "newcomers on the scene" more than willing and ready to take their place. Often no value is placed on their professional ability or on their role of communications facilitators, other than requesting them to turn up, put up and shut up, whilst performing a perfunctory role.
In brief, it seems that current procedures are tailored in such a way as to exclude a priori professional interpreters from any involvement in this area, and to discourage those who are prepared to work in spite of conditions which are less than acceptable.
We wish to congratulate the Irish Refugee Council and all those who contributed to the report commissioned by them for highlighting this issue once again, and wish to add our voice, in the interest of natural justice - as well as out of concern for the practice of our profession - in urging the Department of Justice to revise its whole procedure for securing the services of interpreters. - Yours, etc.,
GIULIANA ZEULI, MITIA,
Irish Translators'
and Interpreters' Association,
Parnell Square,
Dublin 1.