asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that there is growing discontent amongst mothers of school-going children regarding the hardships caused by teaching through the medium of Irish; whether he is further aware that these hardships create antagonism to the language revival, especially amongst young men and women who have not long left school; and if, with a view to furthering the study of Irish by young people, he will adopt new methods in the schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Language Revival.
I am not aware of any discontent amongst the mothers of school-going children nor of any antagonism to the language revival for the cause alleged in the Deputy's question.
Where the official instructions with regard to the use of Irish as a teach ing medium are followed—and the inspectors of my Department report that, in fact, they are being followed— no hardship is incurred and there is no reason for discontent. In the circumstances, I see no ground for making any change in the official programme or instructions in this regard.
Is the Minister aware that, whether he or anybody in this House likes it or not, this matter is coming to a climax, that the tempers of the people are rising and that there is grave danger in continuing the present methods? The people are beginning to discuss this matter openly, where formerly they were afraid to mention it through fear that they might be charged with being pro-British. In view of these facts, I ask him what steps he has ever taken to ascertain the reactions to teaching through the medium of Irish and the result in the homes of the poorer children; and, if he has not taken any positive steps, will he do so and also ascertain the public opinion in the matter, irrespective of teachers, members of the Dáil or of the Gaelic League?
I think I have covered the points raised by the Deputy in a satisfactory manner in the answer I have given.