Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 796: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the method by which interpreters involved in interviews for the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner are chosen particularly in terms of the skills required and the training provided. [22742/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the provision of interpretation services in the asylum determination process, the sole purpose of the use of an interpreter at asylum interviews is to enable efficient and effective communication between the asylum applicant and the interviewing officer and to ensure that the asylum applicant has a full opportunity to put forward his or her case. Interpreters are obliged to provide true and accurate translations of the questions asked and the answers given. They must observe absolute impartiality, advise of any conflict of interest arising and observe a comprehensive duty of confidence in relation to any information obtained in the course of their duties.

The sourcing of interpreters for asylum interviews is arranged through an interpretation service provider as needs arise. This service is provided under the terms of a contract for interpretation services between the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the company concerned, following an EU wide tender competition.

Under the provisions of the contract, the service provider is responsible for the selection of the interpreters and for ensuring the competency and proficiency in both English and the language / dialect required of the interpreters. The interpreters are required to have undergone training on the asylum process, arranged by the interpretation company.

While it is not possible to comment on the internal training provided by the interpretation service provider to their staff, I am advised that UNHCR has provided training to interpreters in the past in relation to interpreting with regard to the asylum process. ORAC also regularly monitors the standard and quality of service provided by its interpretation suppliers through its internal quality assurance systems and by having regular meetings with the manager of the relevant company to ensure that the interpreters are professional in the course of their duty. The ORAC has developed guidelines relating to the use of interpretation in the ORAC in consultation with UNHCR.