Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are doing this now and I know people would have different views initially as to the benefits and the impacts on the Irish language. In fact, studies show us that where students can master one language, they can master a second one. We are moving ahead with that and this ability to introduce modern foreign languages at primary school has been very positively endorsed. That involves starting with a much younger cohort of students. There is a recognition, however, of the age of the students when they come from abroad.

I refer also to the fact that we have an increased level of young people with additional needs in the system now. That is a good and positive thing for us in education where these students are attending mainstream school and are fully participative but, again, for a variety of reasons, they may choose to take a certain cohort of subjects. That may also be impacting on the figure.

I assure the Deputy of how important the Irish language in primary school remains in terms of the Department. We are determined to support our staff and to grow it within our schools. We have strongly developed a policy around the provision in Gaeltacht schools. We are currently preparing a policy on provision outside of the Gaeltacht. Special consideration is given to schools which have that particular status in terms of the additional supports we can provide for them.

I appreciate the support of the Deputy and the points she is raising when one looks at the statistics and what may be inferred from them. If one was to look at it on the ground, however, considerable work is being done to promote the Irish language and this will continue to be so. I am very happy to take on board any points the Deputy might wish to raise with me-----