Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Teaching Through Irish.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

109 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the additional difficulties faced by students learning through Irish compared to their English medium counterparts, for example, shortage of text books and less comprehensive Irish language media; and if he will resist the call in the points commission report for an end to bonus marks in the leaving certificate for students who answer through Irish. [3254/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

That Irish is less widely used than English in the community, in the media and in schools generally does have implications for learning and teaching through Irish. Measures have been in place for many years to counteract difficulties which might arise as a result. It is my Department's policy to provide both Irish and English versions of circulars, syllabi and other documents which it issues to schools.

In relation to the certificate examinations, a wide range of services is provided through Irish. Irish versions of leaving certificate and junior certificate examination papers are provided each year. Arrangements are made for examination scripts in Irish to be marked by examiners who are competent in the language. Candidates who wish to use Irish are facilitated in relation to interviews, projects, practicals and aurals. While my Department does not prepare or approve textbooks for use in schools, An Gúm, now part of An Foras Teanga, prepares Irish translations of commercially produced textbooks.

Article 31 of the Education Act, 1998 is designed specifically to support learning and teaching through Irish. That section, which came into force on 23 December 1999, provides for the establishment of a body of persons who will advise on policies relating to the provision and promotion of education through the medium of Irish. The body will have a specific remit in relation to textbooks and aids to learning and teaching through Irish and to the provision of support services to schools teaching through Irish.

The Commission on the Points System presented its report on 8 December 1999. It recommends that the practice of allocating bonus marks in the leaving certificate to candidates who answer through the medium of Irish should end. The report represents the culmination of a lengthy period of research, discussion and reflection. This recommendation has given rise to considerable interest and debate among the public. It is important to allow adequate time for the public to become acquainted with the issues raised and with the recommendations contained in the report. I shall consider carefully any possible implications for teaching and learning through Irish before making a final decision on the commission's recommendations.