EARLY IMMERSION SYSTEM - EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RESPOND

The Minister for Education has responded to a number of concerns expressed by the Celtic League about the Early Immersion System in Gaelscoileanna(see below):

"Please quote reference on all correspondence ; Our Ref: 0706810

Dear Mr Tal-e-bot,

The Minister for Education and Science has asked me to reply to your previous E-mail in relation to the Early Immersion System in Gaelscoileanna.

I wish to inform you that the revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 after extensive consultation with the partners in education. Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages."

It also sets out a suggested minimum weekly time framework for tuition. This provides that where a first language is being taught, there should be four hours instruction per week, and 3 hours per week where there is a shorter day for the infant classes. Where a second language is being taught, the suggested minimum timeframe is 3.5 hours per week, and 2.5 hours per week for infant classes with a shorter day.

Some time ago the Department sought the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on issues relating to emergent literacy in Irish medium schools. The NCCA produced a series of reports on the matter, including a consultation paper, a literature review of research, and a report on the consultation process. The Council presented its final advice in February 2007.

Having considered the advice in full, the Minister for Education and Science has determined as a public policy issue that the position as set out in the curriculum, and in previous Parliamentary Questions, should remain unchanged i.e that the minimum recommended timeframe set out for a second language in the curriculum should be adhered to.

Accordingly, Circular 0044/2007 requires that Irish medium schools should provide for a minimum provision in English of 3.30 hours per week, or 2.5 hours per week where there is a shorter day for infant classes, no later than the start of the second term in Junior infants.

The right of parents and children to choose education through the medium of Irish is fully respected, but this does not obviate the need for schools to implement all aspects of the national curriculum. The achievement of the curriculum objectives in every curriculum area at each of the four levels of primary schooling is an over-riding requirement of all schools.

Circular 0044/2007 is the subject of a legal challenge in the High Court, therefore the Department is prohibited from taking steps pursuant to implementation of the Circular until the judicial review has been heard and a final verdict has been given.

Yours sincerely,

Ronnie Ryan, Private Secretary"

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

18/03/08