An official accreditation system is to be established for the first time for Irish language translators.
Examinations are to be held next month and at regular intervals subsequently with a view to establishing a panel of recognised translators by May, Foras na Gaeilge has announced.
Demand for the services of Irish language translators has increased as a result of the Official Languages Act, which requires public bodies to provide a minimum level of Irish services to the public, including the publication of major reports in Irish.
The Act also obliges bodies to correspond in Irish when requested.
Further translator posts will be created next year when Irish becomes the 21st official and working language of the EU.
Announcing the establishment of an accreditation system, Foras na Gaeilge said the increasing popularity of Irish had created a need for more translators. It said the system was being set up at the request of Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív.
"This innovative accreditation system will ensure high standards in the translation industry while safeguarding the reputation of competent translators.
"The system is primarily for the benefit of individual translators and aims to make a panel of accredited translators available to the public and private sectors."
Mr Ó Cuív has indicated in the past that the Official Languages Act could provide jobs for up to 2,000 people with competence in Irish. Separately, it has been predicted that the decision to make Irish a working language of the EU will create between 20 and 30 jobs for Irish translators and interpreters in the European institutions.
From next January all primary legislation approved by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament will be translated into Irish.
Foras na Gaeilge chief executive Seosamh MacDonncha said the organisation was delighted to be involved in a "pioneering" accreditation system for the Irish-English translators.
The standard of translation was already high in Ireland, he said, with the majority of translators being very dedicated to the language.
However, an accreditation system would help ensure standards were maintained.
Foras na Gaeilge is a North-South implementation body founded as a result of the Belfast Agreement. It is responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the 32 counties.
