Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1115: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools here which offer a modern language, normally in fifth or sixth class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33120/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In the 2008/2009 year, Modern European languages were taught in 505, or 15%, of our primary schools as part of an initiative that was introduced by my Department in September, 1998. The aims of this initiative include the development of communication skills in a modern European language, the fostering of positive attitudes to language learning and the diversification of the languages taught in our schools. In the participating schools, the pupils in 5th and 6th classes are taught one of four languages — French, German, Italian and Spanish. A dedicated support structure for the teachers in the schools concerned has been in place since the initiative was implemented.