John Bruton
Ceist:202 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she will seek assistance under the EC Lingua Programme for the training in continental languages of Irish primary teachers.
Written Answers. - Lingua EC Programme.
John Bruton
Ceist:209 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the programme she is initiating under each of the five lines of action in the EC Lingua Programme.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 209 together.
The Lingua Programme, which is designed to promote foreign language competence in the European Community was adopted by the European Education Ministers in May 1989. The year 1990 is largely a preparatory year and the programme is expected to become fully operational in 1991. The operational aspects are being examined at present with a view to the introduction of a structured programme under each of the five lines of action in due course.
The remit of the Primary Curriculum Review Body covers the whole area of curriculum at the primary level and I do not propose to make a statement in relation to foreign language teaching in national schools or training in continental languages of Irish primary teachers until I have received and considered their report.