Vol. 513 No. 6
121 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the recent change in the status of Irish in secondary schools; and his views on whether there is a glaring inadequacy in the provision of the necessary basic and back-up services to make teaching through the medium of Irish a viable option for those who engage in it. [3179/00]
From the beginning of the current school year, the requirement for all teachers appointed to permanent teaching posts in post-primary schools to have passed a special examination in Irish was removed. That change was intended to facilitate the mobility of teachers between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the existing requirement, applying, as it did, to all teachers irrespective of whether they were required to use Irish in their work, was seen as unduly negative and counterproductive.
However, teachers in Gaeltacht schools, in schools where Irish is the normal medium of instruction and those who teach subjects other than Irish through Irish are still required to pass a special examination in Irish. Subject to certain conditions, holders of a degree in Irish are exempt from the requirement. There is no diminution, as a result of this change, in the level of competence in Irish required of those who teach through the language.
Other measures have been in place for many years to support teaching and learning through Irish. It is my Department's policy to provide both Irish and English versions of circulars, syllabi and other documents which it issues to schools. In relation to the certificate examinations, a wide range of services is provided through Irish. Irish versions of leaving certificate and junior certificate examination papers are provided each year. Arrangements are made for examination scripts in Irish to be marked by examiners who are competent in the language. Candidates who wish to use Irish are facilitated in relation to interviews, projects, practicals and aurals. While my Department does not prepare or approve textbooks for use in schools, An Gúm, now part of An Foras Teanga, prepares Irish translations of commercially produced textbooks.
Section 31 of the Education Act, 1998, is designed specifically to support learning and teaching through Irish. That section, which came into force on 23 December 1999, provides for the establishment of a body of persons who will advise on policies relating to the provision and promotion of education through the medium of Irish. The body will have a specific remit in relation to textbooks and aids to learning and teaching through Irish and to the provision of support services to schools teaching through Irish.
I am strongly committed to providing what support is necessary for teaching and learning through Irish.
