Deirdre Clune
Ceist:444 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if teachers are employed in a scheme of Irish nationality regarding the pilot scheme for school languages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15318/99]
Written Answers. - Modern Language Teaching.
The pilot scheme for modern languages at primary level is in operation in approximately 270 schools nationwide. The languages targeted are Italian, Spanish, German and French and are being taught to fifth and sixth classes in the participating schools.
The language tuition may be provided by the class teacher, another teacher within the school or by a visiting teacher who is competent in the target language. In the case of schools who need to engage the services of a visiting teacher, my Department provides those schools with financial assistance to cover the costs of the visiting teacher.
My Department has recommended that the teachers who are providing the language tuition should, in so far as is possible, be qualified primary school teachers. However, where a school is employing the services of an outside tutor, it is a matter for the school to satisfy itself as to the competence of that person in teaching the target language. This Department does not require or advise schools that the outside tutors be of any particular nationality.