Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 570: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the actions being taken by her Department to measure the outcome against the stated learning objectives of the Irish language curriculum in specific classes at primary school level; if she is satisfied regarding the standards achieved in both oral and written Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20579/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The inspectorate of my department has completed the field work in relation to a focused evaluation of the teaching of Irish in 45 primary schools and reports have been issued to the individual schools. Analysis of the data collected is currently under way and it is expected that the report based on the findings of this evaluation will be available by the end of 2006. This will deal with teaching methods, resources, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Preparations for the publication of the Harris report Irish in Primary Schools: Long-Term National Trends in Achievement are well advanced. The design stage is complete and the report will be sent to the printer as soon as the Irish text has been finalised. This is expected in the very near future. This comprehensive report focuses on the standard of Irish in sixth classes in the various types of schools and it deals with listening, speaking and reading objectives.

When the inspectorate's report and the Harris Report become available, I will give careful consideration to their findings and recommendations.

Recently, I announced my intention to appoint additional personnel to support the teaching of Irish in our schools. Progress has already been made on recruiting 30 cuiditheoirí to work with primary teachers. Other measures include — funding for two-week Summer day camps for 10-13 year old children in their own locality from 2007, with emphasis on learning Irish through sport and games. Priority will be given to establishing these in disadvantaged areas. CD to be sent to every school of the National Children's Choir singing the national anthem, along with other songs as Gaeilge. Courses for teachers in the evenings, at weekends and during holiday periods to improve their Irish.

I am confident that these new measures will give children a stronger grounding particularly in spoken Irish and help them to enter second level with an enthusiasm for learning the language.