Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:48 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education if she has plans to harness TV 5 to assist in the teaching of modern European languages; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Teaching of Modern European Languages.
At present, continental languages do not form part of the approved curriculum for national schools. At primary level, emphasis, is placed on the development and use of the two official languages of the State, Irish and English, with a view to facilitating the introduction of further languages at an early stage of post-primary education.
The Green Paper on Education proposes that awareness of European languages be introduced for senior classes in primary schools.
French, German, Spanish and Italian are taught in post-primary schools. Of these, French, which is the language of TV5, occupies the dominant position.
While the availability of TV5 as an aid to learning French is to be welcomed, I would be keen to encourage the use of foreign-language TV channels that can be received here to promote the study of German, Spanish and Italian.