Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

While her response sounded quite impressive, is she satisfied that this is being implemented? I ask the question in the context of having encountered young children in various parts of the country in recent years who appear not to have the wherewithal to sing an old traditional Irish song like Báidín Fheilimí or Poc ar Buile. It appears to be something we have encased away and emphasis is not being placed on it in primary schools as was the case heretofore. How will the Minister ensure this part of the curriculum is being implemented, because I am of the opinion that this is not being done? Will she agree that there may be merit in the concept of considering specialised teachers in this regard? One cannot expect every primary teacher to be an Enya or a Michael Flatley, but some teachers have an ability in this area. Will she consider providing specialised teachers who would service several schools, instead of expecting teachers to be Jack of all trades, which many of them are not?

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