Second level schools are encouraged in a variety of ways to promote the teaching of European languages. Modern language programmes are in place at junior certificate and leaving certificate levels. The study of a European language is a compulsory part of the leaving certificate vocational programme. Arrangements have been made for the ab initio study of a European language at senior cycle, that is where senior cycle pupils can begin the study of a language and sit the junior certificate examination paper in that subject at the time of sitting their leaving certificate examination.
In addition to standard staffing and financial resources made available to schools, my Department is prepared, in certain cases, to sanction extra part-time teaching hours for the introduction of modern continental languages. Resources are also provided for the professional development of language teachers, including grants to enable teachers to attend courses in teaching and methodology in a target language country. These teachers are replaced during this time by a native speaker who is a qualified full-time teacher in his/her own country. In addition, each year foreign language assistants who are usually trainee teachers from mainland European countries are available to work in our schools alongside Irish language teachers and under their guidance. Provision is also made under the LINGUA and other EU programmes for teacher exchange and for teacher and pupil exchange.