andMr. Enright asked the Minister for Education if he will outline departmental policy in relation to the teaching of speech training in primary and second level schools; if he will consider making speech training a compulsory subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Speech Training .
16.
: Speech training forms an integral part of the programme in primary schools. A detailed syllabus for each standard is set out in the Teachers's Handbook.
In the case of second level schools, speech training is an integral part of pupils' studies in Irish, English and other languages, and is catered for in that context. I do not consider that it is necessary to make speech training a compulsory subject in the curriculum of these schools.
: Has the Minister received any representations from a society of teachers of speech in this regard and, if so, has he replied to those representations in any form? I should like to know if the Minister will consider the possibility of putting spoken vernacular language of the student into some form of examination structure, as exists in other countries.
: I should like to deal with the latter part of the Deputy's question first. I have not considered making any kind of compulsory oral examination in either of the two official languages.
: Or even optional?
: No. Secondly, since I became a Member of this House I have had discussions and correspondence with the people involved in this work and I have replied to them.
: Does the Minister agree that it is important that all children leaving school should be able to speak their own language fluently and with precision? Does he agree that that is a case for making the speaking of the language a compulsory subject and that that should be made an examination subject? Would that not be beneficial to the young children attending our schools?
: I agree it is important that the training should be given and I have outlined the vehicle for such training. I do not have any plans as of now to introduce any compulsory examination in this subject.