The press statement from last Friday's meeting in Galway organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Guth na Gaeltachta (Irish) on the status of Irish in the Leaving Cert. We have requested a meeting with Enda Kenny, Leader of Fine Gael and we are asking everybody to raise the the subject of the retention of Irish as a core Leaving Cert subject as a matter of urgency with their local Fine Gael representative.
An example of this is provided by Aodán Mac Donncha, Manager of Comhlacht Forbartha an Spidéil (Irish) who contacted Senator Fidelma Healy Eames after Friday's meeting and received the following response today:
Aodhan,
I understand but don't worry, all is not lost.
I have secured the following commitment from Enda Kenny - FG in Govt will not impose any removal of compulsory Irish ruling until there is a full review of curriculum and methods re. the best way to teach Irish w/ ultimate aim of more people becoming competent in spoken language. This means consultation w/ ALL stakeholders.
Any policy will and must include immersion. This means going to the Gaeltacht, safeguarding the Gaeltacht and everything that means.
Be 100% sure that I will support sound principles that encourage language learning. This is my Ph.D. specialist area.
We will also be looking at ways to make Irish more attractive at LC including extra points.
Please feel free to circulate this,
Le gach dea-ghui,
Senator Fidelma Healy Eames
On-line Petition: Fine Gael's policy on Irish Education
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