Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 9

Written Answers. - European Languages for Primary Schools.

Seán Barrett

Question:

137 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many parents are concerned that there is no European language on the primary school curriculum, other than classes after school hours; and if, in view of the approach of 1992, she has any plans to introduce such a course.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

140 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she has any plans to include European languages on the curriculum for primary schools.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

152 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, in primary schools, European languages are not on the curriculum and with European integration swiftly approaching our children will be at a disadvantage; whether she will include such languages on the primary school curriculum from next September; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 140, and 152 together.

As the Deputies are aware, the Primary Curriculum Review Body considered the issue of the introduction of a modern European language into the primary curriculum and they made a recommendation in this regard.

My Department, through the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment, are undertaking a full examination of the recommendations of this body. Part of this process will be to consider the views of all interested parties. I intend to make a statement on all aspects of the curriculum following this examination.