asked the Minister for Education if she intends introducing languages such as French and German in our primary schools which would benefit the majority of our students in preparation for second and third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Language Teaching in Primary Schools.
89.
At present continental languages do not form part of the approved curriculum for national schools. At primary level emphasis is placed on the development and use of the two official languages of the State, Irish and English, with a view to facilitating the introduction of further languages at an early stage of post-primary education.
The primary school curriculum is the subject of an overall review at present. Pending the outcome of this review there are no plans to introduce the teaching of further languages in national schools.