Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will recall that in May 2021 I launched Say Yes to Languages, a language sampler module for pupils from third to sixth class in all primary and special schools. The module aims to generate awareness among pupils of the range of languages used by their peers, support greater inclusion and appreciation of diversity in society and encourage uptake of languages at post-primary level. It runs for eight hours over a period of eight weeks. Participating schools are eligible for a grant from the Department of €400 per classroom, up to a maximum of €1,600 per school towards paying for visiting teachers and other resources or events that support the aims of the module. The module is administered by Post-Primary Languages Ireland, PPLI, on behalf of the Department.

Say Yes to Languages has proven hugely popular with 430 schools with approximately 30,000 pupils participating in the first year and just under 700 schools with approximately 50,000 pupils participating in year 2. I understand PPLI has received very positive feedback from pupils expressing pleasure in learning to speak the language of friends and learning how other people live and about their cultures. Teachers have noticed the pupils are making connections between English, Gaeilge and their new languages as a result of the module. This has complemented and reinforced the emphasis on their oral language development and the transfer of language skills between languages, both of which are pivotal in our new primary language curriculum. Participation in the module has increased the enthusiasm of children about language learning.

I am pleased with how schools have responded to the module for the benefit of their students. It is heartening to see so many schools signing up to participate and the wide range of languages they have chosen. The closing date for expressions of interest from all recognised primary and special schools to participate in the module in the 2023-24 school year call was last week, on 12 May. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the strong interest in this offering is continuing. I understand 1,168 schools, which is 36% of our primary schools, registered interest. This represents a significant increase on last year, so we are seeing an increase year on year.

This initiative is reflective of the Government’s strong commitment to promote the learning and use of modern foreign languages. Languages Connect: Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017–2026 aims to create a more engaging learning environment, improve attitudes of students towards foreign language learning and improve the quality of foreign language teaching.

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