Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 327: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she plans to develop a language policy to ensure that our tourism industry takes account of the global tourism trends for the 21st century which highlight strong tourism growth in non-traditional markets; if she accepts that it is vital for Ireland to be at a competitive advantage in terms of the services provided to foreign tourists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27240/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to inform the Deputy that I am aware of the importance of the role of languages in today's tourist industry.

In 2004 the Department invited the Council of Europe Language Policy Division to develop a Language Education Policy Profile for Ireland. The Council of Europe offers member States assistance in carrying out analyses of their language education policies with the assistance of a team of international experts. The Profile was published in 2007. It recommended that Ireland should develop a national languages strategy. Its remit would cover such areas as: the place and role of languages in society; possible scenarios for the integration of languages in the education system and the implications for curriculum development, teacher education etc.; language provision at second level; structures or measures to provide ongoing advice on language policy.

A Working Group has developed a draft languages policy for internal submission to the Department preparatory to a wider consultation phase.