Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It is not being put on the long finger. That will be issued this year as well. The primary one is ready first, because there are more children attending primary schools, and more teachers at primary level. I do not accept what the Deputy says about children not being able to participate in extracurricular activities. That is one sure way in which they will pick up the language, and they do. The achievement of children, particularly at primary school, in picking up the language skills is noteworthy. They are getting the opportunity and children under the age of 12 learn a second language quicker than older children. It is very important to note that each of those teaching English as an additional language in our primary schools is qualified and trained to do so. The language kit is also there for them, as is the assessment kit. Resources have been put in place and, as I said, the second level kit will be going out at the end of the year. When the inspectorate does its evaluation of the work that is going on, it will be useful to see what policy changes need to be implemented, because the ground is fast changing. However, the fact we have 2,000 teachers, whose sole job is to teach English as an additional language is a great credit to the education system and teachers throughout the country.

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