Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

The modern languages in primary schools initiative is of considerable assistance in the delivery of improved literacy and numeracy in schools. It does that in a fun and enjoyable way. The contribution the initiative has made in the areas of literacy and numeracy should not be disregarded. Last October, the Royal Irish Academy published its national languages strategy, which called for the modern languages in primary schools initiative to be integrated into the mainstream curriculum. That was strongly recommended by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in 2005 and in a Council of Europe policy profile in 2008. That should be taken into consideration as well.

I will make a final point before I conclude. I am conscious that Deputy Pringle intends to make a final contribution as well. The Kerry football team has won 36 all-Irelands. We are very proud of every one of them. One of the factors that contributes to Kerry's success is that one is given a football as soon as one can walk.

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