Translation, Interpretation and Sign Language Services

The department commits to providing translation, interpretation and sign language services under the Customer Charter. This is a commitment to providing an accessible, professional, efficient, and courteous service to all.

The following translation, interpretation and sign language services are provided to all the department’s customers where required:

• an Irish Sign Language Interpreter
• written information or application forms in Braille, Audio or Large Print
• a translation service for documents required in relation to making an application or accessing information on a scheme or service
• a language interpretation service

If you need any of these services, please contact your nearest Intreo Centre, Local or Branch Office or the office dealing with your claim.

Department staff will happily assist you to access the service you need.

We can provide access to our translation, interpretation and sign language services in all languages. Our staff can access a language interpreter by phone to assist you in your dealings with the department. This can be provided in any language. We can also provide you with an interpreter by video or in-person.

While help from English speaking family, friends or translation apps can be used in limited circumstances (for example, requesting an application form or asking basic information such as opening hours), they should not be relied on for official engagements with us, such as meetings or interviews.

With advance notice, we will provide an interpreter for such engagements either by phone, video, or in-person, for any language.

We can also provide an Irish Sign Language interpreter in-person or by video link.

The department provides a document translation service, on request, where the documents are required to support your application. This includes the translation of documents into or from English, Irish and any other language, as well as alternative formats such as braille and audio translation.

We can also translate correspondence from the department to you, if you require it.