ISL Translation work and Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters
The Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters (RISLI) was setup under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 to ensure the competency of Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters working in courts and public bodies.
RISLI’s role under the ISL Act:
Section 7 of the ISL Act states:
“A court or public body, in compliance with its obligations under this Act, shall not engage the services of a person providing Irish Sign Language interpretation unless the person’s competence has been verified by having been accredited in accordance with an accreditation scheme funded by the Minister for Social Protection.”
RISLI maintains a register of accredited ISL interpreters. However, RISLI cannot accredit ISL translators. This is because the ISL Act specifically addresses ISL interpretation, not ISL translation services.
How does that impact ISL Translators?
There is no legal requirement for ISL translators to be registered with RISLI to provide translation services to courts or public bodies. While many registered interpreters, particularly Deaf interpreters, also provide translation services, this work falls outside the scope of RISLI’s current role.
Next Steps
We are aware that the ISL Act is due to be reviewed, and we look forward to contributing to that process as to the future role and remit of RISLI.