Qualified interpreters are well up to the job

YOU report (November 7) that “there have been delays recruiting staff as few, if any, had the necessary qualifications to become a recognised EU translator of (Irish) texts or interpreter of the spoken word”.

It is not my aim to be pedantic in my reaction to this, but I felt it necessary, as one of those few qualified interpreters, to say that I found your inclusion of the words “if any” to be unnecessary and misleading. This suggests that no such professionals exist, which is totally wrong.

Having worked for some time now as an internationally accredited interpreter employed by the European institutions, I wish to inform you that Irish has been used on considerably more occasions than the 22 you mention. Perhaps you neglected to include the work of the Council of Ministers and the various smaller group meetings where my colleagues and I provided our professional and qualified services. Much of the parliament’s work is done behind the scenes. However, you can rest assured that while we interpreters may be in the background physically, our work at present is very much a reality.

Susan Folan MA, EMCI

Interpretation and Translation Services

Knocknacarra

Galway