THE EU discussions on derogation highlighted the need for better Irish interpretation and translation services in the European Parliament, an MEP has declared.
Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, Seán Kelly, said the significant shortfalls in Irish interpretation and translation services need to be rectified. He told Parliament president Roberta Metsola that the Irish language must receive the same treatment as other official EU languages.
‘The recent extension of derogations for Irish interpretation and translation services highlight a pressing issue that necessitates a new course of action,’ Kelly stated. ‘It’s very important that we take concrete steps to rectify disparities and promote the use of the Irish language within EU institutions.
‘The language is experiencing a revival, which I am delighted about, but we are missing out on hiring talented people by not having appropriate recruitment procedure or strategy,’ Kelly said.
Mr Kelly believes the Parliament liaison office in Ireland should organise targeted recruitment drives in Gaeltacht regions. ‘Providing information to secondary school students early in their academic journey is crucial.
‘Engaging with students already enrolled in official courses is often too late to influence their career paths,’ Kelly pointed out.
Currently, the Parliament has memoranda of understanding (mou) with the University of Galway but Mr Kelly said other institutions must be added to the list of potential translators. Remote working opportunities should also be explored, he suggested.
‘By reforming these structures and taking a different tact, we can ensure that Irish is treated equally to other official EU languages and that Irish citizens can fully participate in the EU’s democratic processes in their native language,’ Mr Kelly said.
