Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service ...

number of Deaf clubs. The videophones should initially be put into largerhospitals, Garda stations etc. as opposed to being installed in all smaller unitsthroughout the country.It should become the norm that for simple/short interactions, interpretationservices should be provided via technology-enabled remote interpreting (e.g.video relay service). It must be noted however, that the virtual service should notreplace face-to-face interpretation, rather it should complement it. It should makeit easier to access interpreters, save on interpreter travel time and ensure mostefficient use of interpreters’ time, which in turn should result in more availability ofinterpreters, and may reduce the cost to the user.Efficient resource usage would be important as it is considered that the demandfor interpretation services should have increased due to the promotion andawareness building which should have occurred during phase one and shouldcontinue in phase two.7.4.4 SLI Advisory GroupThe SLI Advisory Group should continue to function. Comhairle and the IrishSign Language Interpretation Service should continue to have a collaborativerelationship with key stakeholders such as the Deaf community, public serviceusers, representative organisations and the interpreter association.7.4.5 Interpreter employment statusThe service level agreements, which should have been established in phase one,between the Irish Sign Language Interpretation Service and interpreters, shouldbe reviewed and extended where appropriate.To improve access to interpretation services, particularly in remote areas, theIrish Sign Language Interpretation Service should contract with a number ofinterpreters to ensure access for Deaf people to public services in regions whichare currently poorly served.In addition, in relation to the remote interpreting service there should be a smallnumber of interpreters employed by the Irish Sign Language InterpretationService (on a part or full time basis) to facilitate remote interpreting on a rota basis.However, it is envisaged that the majority of interpreters would continue tooperate on a contract/service level agreement basis with the Irish Sign LanguageInterpretation Service.7.4.6 FundingDuring phase two, it is envisaged that significant funding should be invested intechnology and the rollout of remote interpreting services.page 130 • Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service Requirements in Ireland