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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Asylum Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

414 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the training procedures for translators specific to the asylum procedure; the plans, if any, there are to develop an accredited translator service with specific human rights training; and the provision, if any, being made regarding the training of reception and interviewing staff and the conduct of interviews with specific attention and sensitivity to gender issues. [16315/98]

A seminar for interpreters took place in my Department in late 1997 which outlined the role of the interpreter/translator and highlighted the sensitive and confidential nature of dealing with asylum applicant. The function of the interpreter is to translate that which the applicants outlines to the interviewer. Interpreters are aware of their role, i.e. an interpreter is a conduit of information without being participative. In so far as interpreters are concerned, I would advice the Deputy that I am satisfied with the interpretation facilities currently provided. This said, this was one of the issues examined by an interdepartmental committee which reported in 1996 on "guidelines for the reception of asylum applicants". The committee recommended that a panel of qualified interpreters be drawn up and that they be trained, in conjunction with the UNHCR, in the asylum process. This issue has been taken up with the UNHCR and with the interpreters currently providing interpretation services for the Department. This is a matter which is receiving urgent attention in the context of the many developments in the asylum area of my Department. All staff working in the asylum division, including my reception and interviewing personnel, have completed appropriate training courses and have received "on the job" experience of interviews and assessments. The training programmes were agreed with UNHCR and delivered by a combination of my Department's own experienced personnel, UNHCR training specialists and the UNHCR's full time official here. This training included the procedures to be followed when dealing with sensitive matters such as gender issues and victims of trauma and violence. Furthermore, some officials of my Department dealing with asylum matters have attended workshops run by the refugee studies programme at the University of Oxford in matters relating to refugee issues.

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