Languages Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 March 2012

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Ceisteanna (44)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

44 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if EU funding is available for the teaching of minority languages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13055/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The EU has a positive policy towards regional and minority languages, enshrined in Article 22 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, which states. "The Union respects cultural, religious and linguistic diversity". While there have been projects to support minority languages, I am not aware of any EU funding for teaching of minority languages in primary and post-primary schools.