Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 109: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of primary schools which have access to a modern European language other than English and Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37010/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the 2008-09 year, modern European languages were taught in 505, or 15%, of our primary schools as part of an initiative that was introduced by my Department in September 1998. The aims of this initiative include the development of communication skills in a modern European language, the fostering of positive attitudes to language learning and the diversification of the languages taught in our schools. In the participating schools, the pupils in fifth and sixth classes are taught one of four languages – French, German, Italian or Spanish. The dedicated support structure for the teachers in the schools concerned has been in place since the initiative was implemented. Teachers in the initiative schools implement a language competence model, based on draft curriculum guidelines that were provided by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA.

The NCCA has recommended against a further expansion of the language competence model at this time, citing issues of curriculum overload and difficulties relating to the ability to replicate the model across the system. It has recommended instead, in the short to medium term, that a strategy of language awareness should be promoted, with pupils continuing to begin their formal learning of a modern language at the start of second level. Such an approach involves engaging the child in reflecting on how language is learned, on similarities and differences between known and unknown languages and the conventions of language. However, the NCCA report approach does not preclude the use by schools of a competence model where this is feasible.

The NCCA advice is set out in the context of the changing landscape in Irish primary schools since the primary modern languages initiative was first introduced in 1998. The key factors relate to the feedback on curriculum overload which is a strong feature of the evaluation of phases 1 and 2 of implementation of the revised primary curriculum, the challenges highlighted in reports on language learning in Irish and English, the particular issues relating to literacy in disadvantaged schools, and the new needs which have emerged in providing additional English language support for newcomer children. Given the difficult budgetary position, and particularly in the context of the advice from the NCCA, there will be no expansion of the modern languages initiative at primary level in the near term.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If the Minister of State is informing the House that 15% of schools have access to this programme, it means 85% of schools have no access to it. Is it still the intention of the Government to put into effect an agreement signed under the Barcelona agreement whereby the Government gave a firm commitment that by 2010 all primary school students would have access to the opportunity to learn a modern language in fifth or sixth class? Does the Minister of State stand over that commitment?

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Barcelona conclusions are non-binding-----

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister of State can sing that.

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----and express the views and intentions of the European Council. Individual member states are invited to adopt the approaches set out in the conclusions in so far as is appropriate for their particular national priorities, circumstances and resources. My Department fully accepts the desirability of this approach as an EU policy direction. This does not mean, however, that it is necessarily practicable in every member state.

The modern language initiative was introduced to expand modern language teaching into a selected range of primary schools for fifth and sixth class pupils. It has grown from 270 participating schools when it began to 505 schools during the 2008-09 school year. In Ireland, where two national languages, Irish and English, are given recognition under the Constitution, both of these languages are taught at primary level.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am disappointed with the Minister of State's reply and also with the complacency associated with it. There are many other European countries which have two languages, for example, Catalan and Spanish in Catalonia, Spain, and there are two languages in Belgium. We are woefully behind most continental countries in regard to having a second language as part and parcel of our integrated curriculum. Can the Minister of State given any indication of when the Government will revert to the spirt of the Barcelona agreement as distinct from the letter of the law?

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I said initially, I must be very conscious of the advice given by the NCCA. I must also be conscious of the budgetary situation as it is estimated that to extend this initiative nationwide could cost up to €28 million. It is also worth noting that English is the most widely studied language in upper second level education across the EU other than the mother tongue. The fact that all Irish people speak English can be a disincentive to the learning of other languages, just as it is often difficult to promote the learning of languages other than English in other European member states. When English is omitted, a dramatically different picture emerges of language learning across Europe.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister of State has explained to the Dáil that the Barcelona agreement is non-binding, although the Government stated that by 2010 we would move to a system whereby all primary school children would have access to another modern European language. Is he prepared to put on record a new date upon which all children can be expected to have such a service in our primary schools?

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have dealt with that question. There is a policy in regard to modern European languages and I could outline what is taking place at post-primary level as well. At the end of the day, we have studied this initiative and the NCCA has undertaken an assessment of it. In its view, due to the whole issue of curriculum overload in particular, it does not recommend an extension of this initiative. I cannot accede to the Deputy's request.