Vol. 415 No. 9
92 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the estimated number of hours devoted to the teaching of the Irish language in first and second level schools on an annual basis, the estimated cost in terms of payment to teachers on an annual basis; if he has satisfied himself with the resultant level and competency of spoken Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Specific periods of time are not laid down for the various subjects of the curriculum although it is advised that a certain minimum time be spent on each subject.
Total teaching costs are not then broken down by reference to individual subjects, so there is not an estimated cost for teaching Irish or any other subject of the curriculum.
It has always been policy to seek to maintain and improve the standard of Irish in schools. The Primary Curriculum Review Body made recommendations on the teaching of Irish in the curriculum. These have been taken up by the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment which has been given a result to submit proposals for new courses. The new junior certificate course with its new syllabus in Irish will be examined for the first time this year while significant revisions have been made in the leaving certificate syllabus in Irish.
I cannot say that I am satisfied with the level of competency in spoken Irish generally but I would have to point out that oral proficiency in any language is achieved only through sustained practice in speaking the language for communicative purposes in real life situations. Such opportunities are limited in the classroom situation. This matter will be fully addressed in the Green Paper on Education.
