Vol. 489 No. 1
48 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for the introduction of continental languages into primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7534/98]
I announced the launch of a pilot project for the introduction of modern languages into primary schools in October 1997. The languages targeted will be French, German, Italian and Spanish. The languages will be introduced in fifth and sixth classes in approximately 250 schools in September 1998.
A circular and questionnaire was sent to all primary schools in November 1997 giving them details of the pilot project and asking them to complete and return the questionnaire to my Department if they wished to be considered for inclusion in the project. Approximately 1,300 replies were received and the process of selecting approximately 250 schools to participate is nearing completion. The schools selected for inclusion in the project will be notified in the near future.
A consultative group, including representatives of the partners in education, is advising on all aspects related to the pilot project, while project leaders will be appointed to develop and organise training programmes for teachers involved in the teaching of the languages.
