# lost for words
This year
2024
Promised interpretation standards for asylum applications not being introduced by deadline
Poor interpretation undermines asylum seekers’ credibility and delays their cases, say lawyers.
Asylum-seeker support workers expected to act as interpreters without specialist training
Experts concerned that ‘cultural mediators’ being asked to provide “interpretation services” beyond their required skill set.
Cultural mediators were introduced to speed up the asylum application process
Advocates say the lack of clarity around role risks harming asylum seekers
UN body who trains them says mediators "not legally accountable" for applications
Last year
2023
Inadequate interpretation still leading to asylum case delays
Over 100 asylum appeal hearings were postponed in 2022 due to problems with interpretation.
There are no interpretation standards or quality controls in Ireland
Lack of training and quality control have been flagged as an issue since at least 2015
These figures are ‘surprisingly high’, says expert
All time
