Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the optional béalscrúdú for junior certificate Gaeilge; his views that this is an important element in the learning of Gaeilge; the steps that have been taken by him to support the provision of this option; and his plans to ensure that all students avail of a béalscrúdú worth 40% of junior certificate Gaeilge. [19541/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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This Government is committed to supporting the overall thrust of 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, and to the delivery of the goals and targets proposed. As part of this, a thorough reform of the Irish curriculum and the way Irish is taught at primary and second level will be undertaken. The priority is to take steps to improve the quality and effectiveness of the teaching of Irish.

Circular 0042/2007 announced that the proportion of marks available for oral assessment in the certificate examinations would be increased to 40% with effect from 2010 in the optional oral test in the junior certificate, and this change will take effect from 2012 in the Leaving Certificate examination. The intention of the increase in marks for oral assessment is to promote a significant shift in emphasis towards Irish as a spoken language, where students can communicate and interact in a spontaneous way, and where Irish is spoken every day in schools.

The Leaving Certificate model of oral examination is not replicable at junior cycle level due to factors of examiner supply and school disruption. However, as part of the junior certificate review, the overall assessment arrangements are also being reviewed. I expect the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on the direction of reform in the autumn.