Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Irish Language Teaching.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

29 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to improve the standard of attainment in Irish at primary school level; the way in which teaching methods and syllabus can be aligned with post primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10240/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has been asked, as part of its general review of the primary curriculum, to carry out a comprehensive review of the curriculum in Irish. This work is well advanced.

I am advised that the council will be making an initial report on all aspects of the curriculum including Irish during the next school year.

The recent White Paper on Education stresses the importance of continuity in the teaching of Irish between primary and second level education. It states "the aim is to build on the knowledge and skills developed during the primary years, allowing the students to acquire such competence as will enable them to achieve success and satisfaction in learning Irish" Page 49.

At primary level the White Paper puts the emphasis on achieving basic oral and aural skills, the acquisition of a knowledge of the basic structures of the Irish language and on developing an awareness of Irish history and culture.

This objective is fully consistent with, and supportive of, the policy intention to increase the proportion of marks awarded for oral and aural competence for Irish and other modern languages in the junior and leaving certificate examinations.

The existing structure and procedures of the NCCA will ensure that community is achieved. Regular consulation takes place between the council's primary and post primary specialist personnel on the question of continuity.

The council itself is representative of primary and post primary interests and includes teachers, management and parents. Its deliberations on the new primary curriculum in Irish will reflect this balance and will ensure that issue of continuity and alignment are not neglected.

It is not proposed to make any changes in the teaching of Irish in primary schools until the report referred to above is available.