asked the Minister for Education whether any steps have been taken to carry out the suggestion made by him in Dáil Eireann on 11th April, 1934, that teachers and inspectors should come together to consider the question of having Irish only in the infants' schools; and, if so, with what result.
Céisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish in Infant Schools.
The programme of instruction for National Schools was the subject of a conference held in the summer of 1934 between representatives of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation and representatives (including a representative of the Inspectorate) of my Department. Following the discussions a revised programme of instruction was issued to the schools in September, 1934. I am sending the Deputy a copy of the pamphlet containing this programme. The modifications of the programme previously in operation are indicated in the introduction to the pamphlet and include a provision that the teaching of English is no longer permitted in infant classes where the teachers are competent to do the work of the class through Irish alone.