Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on fears that the introduction of a new Irish language syllabus at junior certificate level will diminish the links between junior certificate and leaving certificate studies of our language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22345/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am confident that the introduction of the new Junior Cycle Irish subject specifications to first year students from September 2017 will enhance the teaching of Irish in schools and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge that will support them to undertake successful learning in the subject at Leaving Certificate. A great deal of thought was put into the development of the junior cycle specifications in order to meet the needs of students. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, when developing the new Junior Cycle language specifications, has consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including at a number of stakeholder consultation events. The specifications were developed by a subject development group whose membership included a number of practising teachers as well as other stakeholders. They are designed to build on best practices in the system and to support the further development of effective teaching, learning and assessment practices.

When studying Junior Cycle Irish, the aim is that students will be assisted to consolidate and deepen their understanding of the language and that they will be encouraged to use the language effectively and confidently, both personally and in communicating with other users in the language. They will also be encouraged to have an appreciation and respect for literature in Irish so that they may enjoy literature and benefit from it. In this way Junior Cycle Irish seeks to strengthen and develop the skills students bring to post-primary school and to provide a very effective link to learning in the language at Leaving Certificate.

Throughout the Junior Cycle, students will acquire and enhance their proficiency in the eight key skills of Junior Cycle, including the skills of communicating and being literate. These skills are key to learning in every area of junior cycle and beyond. They are closely linked to the skills required at senior cycle and those already developed for early childhood and primary education.

A dual approach to assessment is presented. The Junior Cycle will be underpinned by the further integration of formative assessment as a normal part of teaching and learning in classrooms, reflecting the effective practice that is already evident in many classrooms. The introduction of Classroom-Based Assessments will emphasise the importance of formative assessment in supporting teaching and learning. There will also be a final written examination. In this way lesson content and format in the new Junior Cycle will facilitate deeper learning. The implementation of the new Junior Cycle will bring a renewed focus on ensuring that all students are engaged and making progress in accordance with their potential.

A review of senior cycle is planned to ensure that students will have the opportunity to build on the skills and learning that they have acquired in their studies in junior cycle.