Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The following questions is subject-specific. A lot of concerns have been raised on the T1 and T2 Irish language proposals. It seems quite apparent that there is a problem in creating a subject that carries equal weighting and is more challenging without providing any real incentive. On a theoretical basis I have no objection to having a more challenging course for native speakers and advanced learners of Irish but if there is no obvious incentive for schools to take it up I am not sure they will do so. There are options. It could be an additional subject in the same way that applied mathematics is or there could be bonus points but if there is no incentive I do not see why a school, even in Conamara or Corca Dhuibhne, would take it up. A lot of schools and parents would be reluctant if students have a better chance of achieving full marks in the other subject. There is a bit of a problem there so I ask the witnesses to respond to that.

As I have this opportunity I will make the following point to the officials from the Department. Sometimes when we talk about the leaving certificate, we talk about the inequalities that exist but we all know that educational disadvantage in schools starts at a young age. It will not all be resolved by addressing the leaving certificate or access to third level education. Discussions are ongoing on the DEIS model and I have been seeking a meeting with the Department on DEIS since last summer. I ask for that to be noted and I would appreciate the opportunity to engage on that.