asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the proposals and their serious implications in respect of the Irish language in Northern Ireland contained in the Mawhinney Plan, Education Reform in Northern Ireland — The Way Forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Education Reform Proposals.
25.
I have given serious consideration to the latest education reform proposals published by the Northern Ireland Department of Education. The matter has been raised on several occasions through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat and at the Anglo-Irish Conference held on 17 June this year. In addition, I met the Northern Ireland Education Minister, Dr. Brian Mawhinney, in Dublin on 14 November, last and discussed the position of the Irish language in the proposed new curriculum with him. Following consultations by my Department with various individuals and organisations concerned with the language, further proposals which would enhance the teaching of Irish have recently been conveyed to the British Authorities through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat.
It is expected that a proposal for a draft order in Council incorporating the proposed reforms will be published in the new year. My understanding is that this will provide a further opportunity for the process of consultation with all the interested parties to continue.