Richard Bruton
Question:120 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students studying each of the main European languages at primary, secondary and third levels. [26506/99]
Vol. 512 No. 5
120 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students studying each of the main European languages at primary, secondary and third levels. [26506/99]
Primary Data
Number of pupils participating in the pilot project on modern languages in 1998-99
French |
9,644 |
German |
4,456 |
Spanish |
2,590 |
Italian |
1,243 |
Junior Cert. |
Leaving Cert. |
Leaving Cert Applied |
|
French |
140,183 |
77,820 |
2,865 |
German |
50,971 |
22,131 |
755 |
Spanish |
7,140 |
3,350 |
715 |
Italian |
635 |
430 |
218 |
Institution |
French |
German |
Spanish |
Italian |
Total |
UCD |
627 |
507 |
272 |
242 |
1,678 |
TCD |
528 |
343 |
145 |
135 |
1,151 |
NUI, M |
227 |
152 |
– |
– |
379 |
UCC |
771 |
445 |
283 |
197 |
1,696 |
NUI, G |
400 |
286 |
152 |
98 |
936 |
DCU |
445 |
515 |
343 |
– |
1,303 |
UL* |
170* |
94* |
28* |
– |
2,158 |
Total* |
3,168 |
2,342 |
1,223 |
672 |
9,301 |
Institution |
French |
German |
Total |
St. Pats, Carlow |
16 |
– |
16 |
St. Patrick's, Maynooth |
7 |
– |
7 |
National College of Ireland |
199 |
167 |
366 |
Total |
222 |
167 |
389 |
121 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the study of Spanish is under-provided for compared to its value in terms of the numbers of speakers worldwide and the number of Irish holidaying in Spanish speaking countries; the plans, if any, he has to appoint more language assistant teachers in Spanish, to extend in-service training, to promote linked learning Spanish with other practical subjects as a course for development at third level and to develop student exchange opportunities in Spanish speaking countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26507/99]
122 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, he has had with his Spanish counterpart to discuss ways in which the Spanish Government might support extended Spanish education in Ireland. [26508/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
There are currently an estimated 400,000,000 speakers of Spanish in 21 countries across the world. This makes Spanish speakers the second largest group after speakers of Chinese. English speakers are at present in third place.
Neither the number of speakers of a language worldwide nor the number of people holidaying in a certain country, in themselves, constitute reasons for making the learning of that language an education priority. There are other valid factors governing policy in the matter, for example, personal taste, proximity of the learners to the country in which the language is spoken, availability of teachers, third level study plans and plans to seek employment abroad.
Nevertheless, I am not satisfied with the fact that only 3,690 candidates sat Spanish in the 1999 public examinations, 2,131 at junior certificate and 1,559 at leaving certificate level. I am taking the following steps to address the matter.
I have just recently appointed a full-time inspector of Spanish. This single measure has already had an empowering effect on the Spanish learning and teaching community.
UCD: |
Arts; Commerce (International). |
UCC: |
Arts; Language & Cultural Studies; Commerce (European). |
NUIG: |
Arts; Commerce (International). |
NUIM: |
Arts. |
TCD: |
Arts. |
UL: |
Applied Languages; Business Studies and a Modern Language; European Studies. |
DCU: |
International Business & Languages; Applied Languages. |