Irish is an essential element of the school curriculum at both primary and second levels. All pupils are required to study the language unless granted an exemption from doing so.
As made clear in the Government's policy document, An Action Programme for the Millennium, I am committed to a thorough review of the methods used to teach Irish in schools and to the establishment of a resource centre to facilitate learning the language.
Teachers at both primary and second levels are enabled to participate as full partners in syllabus design and review through their representatives on NCCA committee.
A review of the primary curriculum, including Irish, has almost been completed by representative committees under the aegis of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). After this work has been brought to fruition, a revised Irish programme for primary schools together with detailed guidelines for teachers will be published. These will be followed by a comprehensive programme of in-career development for teachers and the publication of new teaching resources and materials.