NUI Galway has initiated a new post-graduate degree in conference interpreting as Gaeilge in response to Irish becoming an official EU language.
The new MA will be the first of its kind in the State, according to the university.
It will be run at its Connemara Gaeltacht campus in Carraroe, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.
Some 12 students will be enrolled for the one-year master's degree through Irish in September, and those with a high level of Fr:ench will also have the opportunity to study French language interpreting.
The university says the course is based on the European Master's in Conference Interpreting, a programme developed in conjunction with EU institutions and offered in 18 universities across Europe.
Programme director Eoin Ó Droighneáin says graduates will have very good career prospects. Currently much translating of Irish language documents is being undertaken by Oireachtas staff.
"The EU urgently needs to recruit highly trained and qualified Irish language interpreters," he says. "Students will also be trained in the specialised skills of interpreting, leaving them in a strong position to secure prestigious employment on completing the course."
Apart from various aspects of interpreting, the programme will cover memory exercises, sight translation, note-taking skills, mock conferences, glossaries for technical meetings, voice coaching, and booth etiquette.
Students will also have the opportunity to visit EU institutions.
Last year Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern urged his Cabinet colleagues to increase their use of Irish in Brussels.
