Michael D. Higgins
Question:55 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education the reason the Irish language got so little mention in his An Introduction to the Education Green Paper 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Green Paper on Education.
The Introduction to the Green Paper endeavours to cover a very wide range of matters in the education area. Of its nature, therefore, the Introduction cannot give an extended treatment of any one topic. The matter of the Irish Language will be dealt with more fully in an extended section of the Green Paper.
I should mention, however, that the section on the Irish Language in the Introduction states that there would be a major redirection of effort in the teaching of Irish and, by proposing a dramatic increase in the proportion of marks given in the Certificate Examinations to oral and comprehension facilities, signals the intention to give priority to acquire the capability to use the language.