Vol. 476 No. 7
273 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if she intends to encourage the teaching of Chinese at second and third level in view of the belief that the Chinese economy will become increasingly important for Ireland in the next century; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8218/97]
The Higher Education Authority has the statutory function of advising my Department on all aspects of third level education. As part of this function it maintains a continuous review of the demand and need for courses. The authority has no proposals at present for the introduction of courses in Chinese. Trinity College Dublin offers an extra mural — non exam — Chinese course at introductory and intermediate levels.
I understand that the authority, through the Europe-Asia Forum, is actively engaged in discussions between Europe and Asia with a view to strengthening higher educational linkages. However, developments in this area are at a very early stage.
I also understand that a number of third level institutions are interested in developing their academic activities in Asian-Eastern studies and it is likely that the study of Asian languages would figure in such a development.
274 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to introduce the teaching of modern European languages at primary level as a basic part of the curriculum rather than as an extra curricular subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8219/97]
I have no plans at present to introduce the teaching of modern European languages as a basic part of the primary school curriculum.
The question of the introduction of a modern European language in the senior class of primary school was considered by the Primary Curriculum Review Body (PCRB) which recommended against it. The arguments relating to time and curriculum overload, as well as the demands of the two languages presently in place on the curriculum, were cited as influencing this decision.
The White Paper envisages the development of an appreciation of European life and culture. In the context of a European awareness programme, students will be introduced to European languages, life and culture.
I should add that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) which has the task of advising me, as Minister for Education, on the aims, structure and content of the primary school curriculum, is currently engaged in a substantial review of all aspects of the curriculum.
