Vol. 497 No. 6
48 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will have qualitative research carried out in conjunction with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to identify the factors which, in spite of investment in the teaching of Irish, prevented the objective of a bilingual society being realised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25841/98]
Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann, which receives a grant-in-aid from my Department, is the national centre for state language policy. It provides research and consultancy services. The factors underlying the status and usage of the Irish language in society has long been a focus of study for the Institiúid. Its many published studies in psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics are held in high regard among experts in these fields. Their findings reveal a highly complex network of interacting psychological and social factors underlying the present position of the Irish language in society. These factors extend well beyond the range of influence of the school and permeate every strand of social interaction. The teaching of Irish and of other modem languages in schools is one of the special concerns of the Institiúid. It has recently co-operated with my Department in the preparation of lesson material for primary schools. Further steps are being taken to enhance the position of the Irish language in schools. Under the aegis of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, a new primary school curriculum is being finalised and will be presented to me in the near future. This will include a new programme in Irish. It will reflect modem research in language teaching and be directed towards the development of communicative competence. The launch of the new curriculum will be supported by a comprehensive in-service programme for teachers.
The syllabi in Irish at junior and senior cycles at post-primary level have been thoroughly revised recently. The four language skills — listening, speaking, reading and writing — are catered for in the syllabi. The leaving certificate examinations comprises an oral examination and an aural test as well as tests involving reading and writing. The junior certificate examinations consists of tests in the reading, writing and aural areas, with provision for an optional school-based oral examination. In the established leaving certificate and the junior certificate courses, pupils become familiar with the three main dialects of Irish.
Section 31 of the Education (No. 2) Bill, 1977 makes provision for a body to advise the Minister on all matters concerning teaching through Irish. A joint committee has been set up recently between my Department and An Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus Oileáin to liaise on matters of mutual interest and to advise both Departments on an ongoing basis. Should this joint committee advise that qualitative research should be carried out along the lines suggested by the Deputy, the proposal will be given careful consideration by both Departments.
