The derogation regarding the interpretation and translation of Irish in the European Parliament has recently been extended. The first comprehensive meeting conducted in Irish took place last Tuesday, something that was previously a rarity.
Under customary rules, provisions should be made for services in all 24 languages officially recognised in the EU. Notwithstanding, proper provision for all these languages across all institutions isn’t quite available yet, despite a significant increase in the employment of interpreters and translators. This increase followed the abolishment of the derogation for the Irish language in the EU in 2021.
For the time being, a provision has been put in place, allowing for an exception for the Irish language in the European Parliament. This provision will last until 2029, or until there is an adequate increase in staff numbers. Review of the situation is slated every six months.
Currently, Galway University is the sole institution offering training in Irish conference interpreting. The responsibility primarily lies with member states for the training of professional conference interpreters. There is a steady belief that the issue of training needs to be systematically tackled to ensure fully-fledged language services.
In the limited time left for the current government in power, there is an opportunity for the Minister of State for European Affairs and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, to earnestly consider the future of Irish language within the EU, and attempt to resolve the issue.
In an unfortunate event following Seachtain na Gaeilge, John Rogers, a reader, reported an incident of Irish dismissal when Tánaiste Mícheál Martin disregarded a question in Irish regarding Leo Varadkar’s decision to quit the Taoiseach post.
During a press conference succeeding the Taoiseach’s speech, a question was posed in Irish, which witnessed the Tánaiste starting his reply in Irish. However, RTÉ News swiftly returned back to the studio.
As pointed out by Mr Rogers, verbal rules allowing the use of Irish are only occasionally mentioned. The media would need adopt a bold and radical approach if these language practices are to be liberalised.
“Our language is dying before us”, as Mr Rogers puts it, and the situation seems to require pressing and innovative actions for its revival.