Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Naughton and her colleagues from the Department of Education and Skills. She outlined the current policies for improving the language capacity of students and the wider population. Significant issues have arisen recently in regard to the foreign language capacity required for some of the jobs that have been attracted to this country. PayPal received particular attention when it publicised the lack of capacity in this country to fill the roles it had created. We have to ensure our education system allows people to become proficient in languages which can benefit them in terms of getting jobs. I note that the recent Eurobarometer survey found that the figures had improved compared to 2006. I ask for more detail regarding how they have improved, the current figures and where they leave us in comparison to our European counterparts.

In regard to the potential for junior certificate reform to develop language capacity among students at second level, what are the plans in this regard? Students currently study foreign languages for the junior certificate. How will the proposed changes assist in developing their language capacity further?

The modern languages in primary schools initiative was introduced on a pilot basis in 1998 but was discontinued by the Minister last year. The initiative was shown to have an impact in terms of increasing uptake and interest in modern languages in participating schools. It was a short-sighted approach by the Minister to cut rather than expand an apparently effective initiative. Just 4% of primary school students have an opportunity to study a modern language. In many cases it is only at secondary level that students first engage with a foreign language. Evidence suggests that the younger a student engages with a modern language, the greater the capacity and the grá that will develop.

A considerable amount of time is devoted to Irish at primary level. It is well documented that the results are not as good as they could be. Is the Department considering any initiatives for improving outcomes given the amount of time dedicated to Irish?