Vol. 508 No. 1
763 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has considered setting up a state sponsored translation service for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17900/99]
The interdepartmental committee which reported in 1996 on the "Guidelines for the reception of asylum applicants" recommended that a panel of qualified translators or interpreters be set up. My Department currently avails of the translation and interpretation services of a private agency. Training for the interpreters is provided by my Department in conjunction with the UNHCR.
I do not have any plans to change the current arrangements. The adequacy of these arrangements is kept under continuous review.
