Mr. David Duffy:

It also raises the important point that we also need to look at the students who do not at this time, or perhaps ever, wish or desire to progress to higher education. That is why we also need to take account of foundation level as an important component.

The Deputy asked about an overall solution. We have explained our recommendations in the submission but I could probably summarise it as being about three major things. If the committee made recommendations in this realm, that would improve the situation in the short term. The first thing is a full review of the circular and how it is implemented. The second thing is to truly enshrine the importance of Irish as a subject and as a cultural entity. That is has a societal aspect as well as within the education system. Third, throughout the system we need to reiterate the importance of Irish as a spoken language and to recognise the importance of both oral and aural components. That, even in the short term, would make a significant difference.