Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to be able to make changes to the examination of Irish to place more emphasis on the spoken language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40159/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is a statutory body set up under the Education Act 1998 to advise the Minister for Education and Science on curriculum and assessment matters.

I have requested the NCCA to focus on increasing the attractiveness of Irish to all learners throughout the junior and senior cycle and on strengthening students' communicative skills, particularly their oral fluency and I have asked them to prioritise this work.

A document on Curriculum Provision in Irish in Post-Primary Education has been prepared for internal consultation within the Council. It has not yet been approved by the Council or presented to me as advice by the NCCA.

Until such time as I receive the advice of the NCCA, I am not in a position to indicate when I will be able to make changes to the examination of Irish.