Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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900. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to introduce an Irish curriculum at second level to cater for native Irish speakers given that their competency in the language far exceeds those who are non-native speakers given that a separate curriculum at junior and leaving certificate would recognise their already developed competency in the language and help develop and enhance it further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41551/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The NCCA is developing a new specification for Irish at Junior Cycle. It is proposed to introduce the new specification for implementation from September 2016. In addition, the NCCA will be developing a short course that will allow students in Irish-medium schools, including Gaeltacht schools, to study and gain credit for an enriched engagement with aspects of the language.

At Senior Cycle, the NCCA is currently reviewing the new assessment arrangements whereby 40% of the marks are allocated to oral proficiency. The Department awaits their report. Consideration is also being given to how the Irish curriculum at senior cycle can accommodate the wide range of learning needs of students including those in Gaeltacht schools.

In addition, the Department is currently reviewing the provision of education in the Gaeltacht and topics such as the one posed by you, will be further considered.