Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the proposals that she intends to implement in order to increase the achievement levels of male students in higher level Irish in the leaving certificate in order that greater numbers of male students will have the option of considering primary teacher training as a career; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12883/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A range of actions that focus on improving students' competence in spoken and written Irish and on increasing the attractiveness of the language to all learners in post-primary schools have been taken or are under way. A very significant development was the introduction in September 2004 of a revised literature course for leaving certificate Irish, which will be examined for the first time in 2006. This has been widely welcomed because it allows literature to be taught using modern communicative approaches that appeal to young people and affords a high level of choice to students and teachers. For example, film is now an option for the first time. A comprehensive set of guidelines to support teachers in delivering the revised course has been issued.

As the Deputy is aware from replies to previous parliamentary questions, I have asked the advisory body on curriculum reform, the NCCA, to make proposals to me as soon as possible on how the Irish curriculum should be reformed and in particular how greater emphasis can be placed on oral Irish. I am determined to ensure that Irish is taught in our schools in a way that is interesting and relevant and that will promote a positive attitude to the language among young people.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of male students who took the leaving certificate examination in higher level Irish for each of the past ten years; the numbers of these students who achieved entrance examination requirements to primary school training in higher level Irish; the number of male students for each such year who selected primary teacher training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12885/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department specifies the minimum academic requirements for entry to primary teacher training courses provided in the colleges of education. As part of these requirements, all candidates, including school leavers, mature students and university graduates, must have a minimum of a grade C in higher level in Irish in the leaving certificate or an approved equivalent. This requirement embodies both the written and oral element of a student's proficiency in Irish.

My Department considers the grade C in higher level in Irish in the leaving certificate to be the minimum standard in Irish necessary for students entering a teacher training course to equip them to teach Irish to pupils at all levels in primary schools.

The number of male students who took the leaving certificate examination in higher level Irish for each of the past ten years and the number of these students who achieved at least a grade C at higher level are set out in tabular form.

In respect of the Deputy's request for information regarding the number of male students who selected primary teacher training, I presume he is referring to students who selected primary teacher training on their central applications office, CAO, forms. In that regard, my officials have sought these details from the CAO and will forward them directly to the Deputy when they are available.