The Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters (RISLI) was setup under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 (ISL Act) to ensure the competency of Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters used by courts and public bodies.
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.”
Courts and public bodies can only use interpreters who have been verified by RISLI.
Clarification of RISLI’s Role under the ISL Act
A recent review of the ISL Act has clarified what RISLI has the power to do and not to do. RISLI’s role under the ISL Act is limited to operating an accreditation scheme. This means we have had to make some changes to how RISLI operates.
Key Points
- Complaints Process: Under the ISL Act, RISLI does not have the legal authority to operate a complaints process or impose sanctions on registered interpreters. Therefore, the existing complaints process had to be closed. RISLI is considering what other options we have in relation to complaints.
- Code of Conduct: Under the ISL Act, RISLI cannot enforce a binding Code of Conduct for ISL interpreters. We are looking at options in relation to having a voluntary Code of Practice.
- Focus on Accreditation: The ISL Act confines RISLI activities to the following:
- Managing an accreditation process, including recognising qualifications.
- Overseeing accreditation renewal, including Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements and minimum work practice hours
- Maintaining an online directory/register of accredited interpreters
- Removing accreditation if a registered interpreter does not comply with the requirements
What is RISLI doing now?
· Reviewing our policies to ensure the policies are in keeping with the ISL Act.
· Developing a voluntary Code of Good Practice for registered interpreters
· Exploring other options for addressing complaints
Next steps – ISL Act review
RISLI remains committed to its core function of ensuring the competency of ISL interpreters through a robust accreditation system.
As part of the upcoming ISL Act review, RISLI will look at seeking amendments to the ISL Act to address the shortfalls in current legislation in relation to RISLI. This will include RISLI seeking the power to operate a complaints process and have a binding Code of Conduct.
Online Open Meeting
RISLI will host an online open meeting early 2025 to provide more information.