Skip to main content
Normal View

Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021

Tuesday, 7 December 2021

Questions (423)

Neale Richmond

Question:

423. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the efforts being made to encourage more students to undertake a foreign language as part of their higher education course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60094/21]

View answer

Written answers

Languages Connect – Ireland’s Foreign Languages Strategy 2017-2026 sets out an ambitious programme of action to improve the national level of competence in foreign languages and to diversify the range of languages in regular use in Ireland and by Irish people abroad.

The study of foreign languages is important to economic success and increases economic efficiency. Higher Education Institutions are aware of the importance of foreign languages and the Foreign Languages Strategy. This will help to encourage students to participate in language classes and to ensure the supply of graduates with foreign language competences for the business and educations sectors.

Additionally, with the development of the working group on teacher supply and its provision in Higher Education, various stakeholders will be working together to portray the benefits of language learning to students and its importance in an Irish and European context.

Ultimately, however, Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are autonomous, and determine themselves which language courses will be encouraged and offered. While my Department will continue to be committed to the implementation of Languages Connect, it is not within my remit to direct a HEI as to the courses they encourage or offer.

This Department is awaiting further information from both of our National Agencies, Leargas and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). This information will be forwarded in due course.

Top
Share