Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

This lady also expressed the importance of our students having a second language. I spoke about this last week in the context of Chinese being introduced as a second language in transition year. We need a second language for our students so they will not be on the back foot. I know the Minister for Education and Skills has been in this Chamber many times and treats the House with the utmost respect but it is mainly for Bills. I would like him to attend the House to outline what is happening at policy level in the Department of Education and Skills to promote the teaching of a second language at a higher level in our secondary schools.