Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Minister and other Deputies that we are greatly indebted to the language commissioner for his reports and the facts he has presented to us. These facts have been staring us in the face for a number of years. The results in the education system are limited. Have there been any consultations between the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta regarding the content of the Irish syllabus in primary schools? There should be more emphasis on the spoken language rather than presenting young children with reading, writing and grammar at such a tender age. This turns them off. Our priority should be to emphasise the spoken language.

See this speech in context