Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:
339. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the top seven countries where interpreters are needed for use by An Garda Síochána where persons have no or little English in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49585/23]
View answer
It has not been possible to collate complete information as requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No.339 of 14 November 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the top seven countries where interpreters are needed for use by An Garda Síochána where persons have no or little English in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
You later clarified that you are seeking the top seven languages which require the services of an interpreter.
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, which includes and when required, the provision of interpretation and translation services. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised that interpretation services are provided to An Garda Síochána by third party contract. I am further advised that the information you have sought is not retained by An Garda Síochána and therefore, it is not possible to provide the information requested.
