asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the article An Ghaeilge san Oideachas— Fás nó Meath by Tomás Ó Domhnalláin in Teangeolas 7, published by Institiúd Teangeolaíochta Éireann; if he agrees with the author's conclusions that there is a progressive weakening in the place of Irish in the educational system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Language in Education.
291.
I am aware of the article referred to by the Deputy. The article does not suggest, nor would it be accurate to do so, that there is any weakening in the official status of Irish in the educational system. Irish occupies as important a place in the school curricula as it did in the past and it is the policy of my Department to maintain and enhance that position. I am, however, concerned at the decline in the number of pupils being taught through the medium of Irish and would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 29 of 15 November 1977. This reply outlined my approach to encouraging and promoting the Irish language throughout the educational system.