• Book in advance 
• Booking One or Two Interpreters
• Booking a Deaf Interpreter
• Costs
• Preparation material
• Setting
• Breaks
• When to book an Interpreter
• How to book an Interpreter
• Interpreting Agencies

Book in advance 

There is currently a shortage of interpreters in Ireland. Best to book interpreters well in advance.

Booking One or Two Interpreters

Assignments lasting less than one hour can usually be carried out by one interpreter. However, each situation should be assessed to identify the requirements.

For assignments that are over one hour, a team of two interpreters is usually required. To maintain high-quality standards, the interpreters will take turns every 20-30 minutes depending on the assignment.

What is a Deaf Interpreter

Deaf Interpreters are sign language interpreters who are Deaf. Their fluency in ISL and a deep and intimate knowledge of the Deaf community support the interpretation of meaning, bridging linguistic or cultural barriers. They most often work in tandem with hearing interpreters to bring greater understanding and clarity, in situations such as interpreting between two signed languages, working with people with special needs or Deafblind interpreting, particularly in legal, medical or mental health settings.  For some assignments, a Deaf interpreter and a hearing interpreter will be required. In cases where the Deaf person has limited ISL, English or special needs, it is advised to book both a Deaf and a hearing interpreter. This is to ensure high-quality working standards and to ensure the Deaf person’s needs are met. You can search specifically for a Deaf interpreter on Find an Interpreter.

Costs

Interpreters and agencies usually have a half day rate (up to 3 hours) and a full day rate (over 3 hours). There are additional costs for assignments that require high-skilled interpreters, such as in medical or legal settings. Additional charges, such as travel and accommodation expenses, should be agreed in advance with the interpreter or agency.

Preparation material

It is important an interpreter receives preparatory materials prior to an assignment.  This allows the interpreter to familiarise themselves with the subject or situation.

Setting

Irish Sign Language (ISL) is a visual language, the positioning of all parties involved is extremely important.

The interpreter and the organiser should agree the best setting or placement taking lighting and other factors into consideration. In case of video/audio recording or livestreaming, the agreement of the interpreter is required in advance for recording and sharing of any filming.

Breaks

Interpreting is a demanding cognitive task, therefore, to provide and maintain a high-quality standard, interpreters need regular breaks throughout the interpreting assignment which can be agreed in advance.

When to book an Interpreter

When a Deaf person is attending an appointment, meeting or event, the person organising the event is responsible for booking an interpreter.

There is a shortage of interpreters in Ireland, so interpreters should be booked well in advance of the assignment.

When booking an interpreter, the organiser should ask the Deaf person if they wish to work with a preferred interpreter. The Deaf person should be asked if they wish to have the same interpreter for ongoing appointments. For some assignments, a Deaf interpreter and a hearing interpreter will be required.

How to Book an Interpreter

• Freelance interpreters are self-employed contractors, the agreement is between the service provider and the interpreter. Sign Language Interpreting Service provides a referral service to support finding a suitable freelancer interpreter.
• Interpreting Agencies engage freelance interpreters, for example Bridge Interpreting or Irish Sign Language Interpreting Service. See below for a list of the interpreting agencies that provide Irish Sign Language Interpreting.
• Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS) is a remote interpreting service provided by Sign Language Interpreting Service.

Interpreting Agencies

Agencies that specialise in ISL Interpreting

Agencies providing ISL and other interpreting services