Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
143. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence whether foreign-language learning is available and/or prioritised in the Defence Forces across all ranks and disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13858/24]
View answerI am informed that foreign language learning is available and prioritised in the Defence Forces across all ranks and disciplines. This training is governed by the Foreign Language Training Policy, which states that the Defence Forces is committed to training personnel in modern foreign languages, under the following three pillars:
• Taught Group Foreign Language Training Courses: Conducted by approved Language Training Partners and open to all Defence Forces personnel. These courses are openly advertised to all personnel who have some knowledge of the language in question. The main effort of this approach is currently directed at the French language. These courses are conducted by Alliance Française, as required;
• Third Level Foreign Language Training: Officers attending full-time third-level Education programmes are encouraged to study modern foreign languages as part of their university education. The Defence Forces currently has seven (7) personnel participating in ERASMUS programmes overseas: four (4) in France, two (2) in Germany and one (1) in the Netherlands. Defence Forces personnel participating on third-level studies in a foreign language in their own time may apply for Defence Forces funding;
• Progressing identified Foreign Language Training competencies: This concentrates on identifying and progressing existing language skills. Personnel who wish to have their competency recorded will be invited to apply for a language evaluation and have their grading recorded. The Defence Forces will consider support for further language training for personnel with existing and assessed language skills.
The implementation of this policy, with priority given to the French language reflecting current and potential future operational deployments to regions where the French language is spoken, has facilitated the French language development roadmap.
In support of this, the Defence Forces conducts exchanges with the French Armed Forces, sending students and instructors to courses in France as well as facilitating French Armed Forces personnel continue language training in Ireland. Immersion training with different units of the French Army allows students to develop their French language skills in an authentic, mono-lingual environment which also enhances their cultural understanding of the French language and is in full accordance with the current Foreign Language Training Policy. There is currently one (1) Army Officer attending the French Army Command and Staff Course in L‘École du Guerre, St Cyr. The opportunity further strengthens the relationship between the Defence Forces with the French Military.
Arabic Language training is also provided for selected personnel prior to deploying in certain overseas appointments. In 2023, two (2) personnel underwent this training.
