Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action she has taken to provide modern texts in Irish for leaving certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38276/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A revised literature course for leaving certificate Irish at both ordinary and higher levels was introduced in September 2004 for first examination in 2006. Modern texts in Irish are a feature of the revised course.

The prescribed prose and poetry includes works by contemporary authors in the Irish language. For example, the prose includes works by Biddy Jenkinson and Máire Mhac an tSaoi and poems by Áine Ní Ghlinn, Cathal Ó Searcaigh and Máire Mhac an tSaoi are included.

The additional prescribed poetry section at higher level also includes works by contemporary authors. Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Johnny Chóil Mhaidhc Ó Coistealbha, Cathal Ó Searcaigh and Deirdre Brennan feature on this list. The elective material, that is "An tÁbhar Roghnach", for both prose and poetry provides candidates with opportunities to present alternative texts of their choice. These may include modern texts in Irish.

The revised literature course also includes the option of studying a contemporary film in the Irish language. This can be an alternative to the prescribed play. It is my view that the revised literature course offers multiple opportunities for the study of modern texts. Furthermore, it provides teachers and students with a high degree of flexibility to choose works that match their interests.