Dr. Orla Keane:

That is a really important issue because we have seen since the beginning of the tribunal process, from 1 November 2006 to now, that the profile of people who are involuntarily detained - and this will also be the same with prisoners - has dramatically changed. Approximately a year and a half ago, our basic booklets were in English and Irish but they are translated into eight other languages as well. There has to be more documentation translated.

Also, we have increased the availability of the translation services. If the inspectorate goes out and finds people who are not voluntarily detained and who do not have access, they address it with the staff on the day. I cannot imagine being in another country, not being able to speak that language, not being able to express oneself and relying on somebody else. The issue of Ukrainians has recently come up, because different people came from different parts of Ukraine. We have different people coming from different parts of Africa. Some of those might speak French, but the approved centre will have them written down as one thing, but in fact they speak a different language because they are from a different part of the country. It is essential, because if you are to give these people a voice, you have to give them a proper voice.