Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)

I concur with everything Deputy Griffin has said. The younger children are when they start to learn languages, the easier it is for them. The manner in which the brain develops means it is easier for young people to absorb languages. The older we leave it, the more difficult it is. I recall that I found it difficult when I was in secondary school. All secondary school children take a second language. I would be interested to know what percentage of them progress to study languages at third level. That is the point we need to look at. It is vitally important that we ensure people have qualifications and proficiency in modern languages when they finish third level education. We have signed up to and ratified the Barcelona agreement, so we need to make a commitment to it. This initiative will enhance literacy and numeracy because children can absorb an awful lot. The more exciting and varied their learning is, the better equipped they will be. Can the Minister of State confirm that the programme will end in June 2012? Some teachers have been informed that their jobs will be gone at the end of the year.

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