Irish Interpreters In Doubt As EU Presidency Ends

The future of Irish language interpreters is in doubt

The future of Irish interpreters in the European Union is back in the spotlight after a viral clip of Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan drew fresh attention to how the language is treated in Brussels.

Irish became a full working language of the EU in 2022, but the practical use of the language across the European institutions has not been without difficulty. For the duration of Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council, a special agreement is in place and Irish-language interpreters have been hired on a temporary basis, covering committee meetings when an Irish minister is present. That arrangement ends when Ireland's term concludes on 31 December, and there is no certainty it will continue. You can follow the fallout across our latest Irish news coverage.

Why Irish interpreters are back in the headlines

Boylan, a Dublin MEP, admitted she was embarrassed about what unfolded at the committee meeting but said she was trying to make a point about the lack of Irish-language interpretation in the EU more generally.

Having complained to the committee that she wasn't allowed to speak the language, she was then told she was allowed. However, she claimed she hadn't prepared and continued to speak in English.

The Government says it is determined that the Irish language will continue to be used, promoted and celebrated as an official EU language after the presidency.

As The Journal reported, campaigners fear the temporary supports could lapse once the presidency ends, leaving Gaeilge without guaranteed interpretation until the derogation is due to expire in 2029.

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