asked the Minister for Education if he has any proposals to help the Irish people maintain and develop their cultural heritage relative to its positive contribution to the well-being of the members of various social groups.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cultural Heritage Proposals.
37.
Mr. R. Burke
Since the foundation of the State, the maintenance and development of the national cultural heritage has been one of the major objectives of educational policy. It is my intention to continue to promote this policy in as flexible a manner as possible given the constraints of the educational system as it is structured and on as broad a front as may be feasible in the light of the many demands on the public purse.
I have recently advocated a "free" post-intermediate year which could profitably be devoted to cultural pursuits. I am also engaged in the delineation of education priority areas in order the better to cater for their special needs.
I am happy to say that attendance at Gaeltacht summer courses is at the highest level ever, a fact not unconnected, in my opinion, with the removal of the compulsion attaching to Irish at examination levels. The new subject, Irish studies, which I propose to introduce into the secondary schools curriculum is intended to achieve the aims set out in the Deputy's question especially in relation to those pupils who are weak linguistically.
A sound educational system geared to modern needs is the best guarantee of the maintenance of our cultural heritage. It is up to us all to see to it that we provide our children with the best system of education it is within our power to give them.