Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 4

Written Answers. - Continental Languages.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

38 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education her views on whether Irish people have a lesser speaking knowledge of continental languages than citizens of any other EU states; if so, the steps, if any, she intends to take to redress the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

It is impossible to establish league tables of competence at languages of whole peoples in the states of the EU.

There is a perception that speakers of English in general, and not only Irish people, are weak in their speaking ability of continental languages. Much of the extensive language teaching in the past was less concerned with speaking ability than with reading of literature. It has been observed that such activities as marketing have been adversely affected by our inability to speak fluently in continental languages.

Second level schools are encouraged in a variety of ways to promote the teaching of continental languages. Language programmes are in place at junior certificate and leaving certificate levels. The study of a continental language is a compulsory part of the leaving certificate vocational programme. Arrangements have been made for theab-initio study of a continental 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 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 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.