asked the Minister for Education whether instruction in Irish phonetics forms part of the course for the training of primary teachers, and, if so, whether he can state the terms of the regulation governing this instruction in the training colleges and when the regulation came into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Phonetics.
Instruction in Irish phonetics has for years formed part of the course for the training of Primary Teachers, provision being included in the Programmes published since 1922.
In the new Training College Programme which came into operation in September, 1932, phonetics is included in both the Professional and General Education courses. Provision as follows is made in connection with the Professional course of the students:—"Reading and Recitation (with Phonetics and Voice-training)."
"The teaching of reading and recitation should include such a knowledge of elementary practical phonetics as will enable the students to analyse and classify the sounds of spoken Irish and English and to explain the mechanism of their production in terms suitable for teaching children how to read and speak distinctly."
Similar provision is made in connection with the General Education course in Irish.