Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, the national institution for third-level education through Irish at NUI Galway, is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Folan as Co-ordinator of the new M.A. Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála/Conference Interpreting programme, commencing at the end of September. Originally from Knocknacarra in Galway City, Susan Folan is one of an elite number of conference interpreters, qualified to interpret to and from Irish, working regularly in the European Parliament and other EU institutions. An NUI Galway graduate with B.A. and M.A. degrees in Modern Irish, Susan also holds a European Masters in Conference Interpreting from Westminster University, London. Prior to her appointment, Susan worked as a Development Officer with CONCOS – the Irish language summer colleges' organisation. Speaking about her appointment, Susan Folan said: "I'm thrilled to be working with Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge here at NUI Galway. I look forward to the challenge of providing first-class academic programmes in interpreting, and especially the development of the M.A. (Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála)." There is a great demand for programmes of this type, given the EU's pressing need for qualified conference interpreters with Irish. This is the only such course in Conference Interpreting in the country and it will prepare students for a career as professional conference interpreters. The one-year course will focus on the use of Irish and English as active and passive languages of interpretation, and on the use of French as a passive language. The M.A. (Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála) programme is being delivered by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge – the University's dedicated institute for the delivery of third-level programmes through Irish – and will be held at An tAcadamh's centre in An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway. The programme is sponsored by Údarás na Gaeltachta, which means that no tuition fees are payable by students of the course. Susan will act as the principal teacher on the programme, as well as coordinating the day to day running of the course. Applications are currently being accepted for places on the new course; for further information contact Siobhán Ní Chualáin on + 353 91 495428 or siobhan.nichualain@oegaillimh.ie -ends-