Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have seen an incredible diversity of languages being chosen by schools. Some of them very much reflect the children and young people in the schools. Schools have autonomy to choose and decide on the language. We are fortunate to have teachers in place in our schools who are of Ukrainian background and have registered with the Teaching Council. We have seen considerable uptake, as I articulated, in the number of pupils. It has risen from 30,000 to 50,000, with projected figures for year 3 being even higher again. Schools will be confirmed, in terms of their application, on 16 June. It is hugely positive that we have seen more than 1,168 schools, or 36% of primary schools, express an interest. It is also work on the back of the new primary curriculum framework in which we are also bringing in the teaching of modern foreign languages. This scheme is a pre-emptive step in that regard. Great credit is due to all the schools for their enthusiasm.

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