Different Fine Gael views on Irish in exam
February 10, 2011
IRISH LANGUAGE: TWO FINE Gael election candidates have differed with their party leader’s approach to making Irish an optional subject only in the Leaving Cert.
Galway West candidates Cllr Seán Kyne and Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames acknowledged the anger about the proposal expressed yesterday by over 300 representatives of the Gaeltacht community, including mná na tithe, at a public meeting in Furbo, Co Galway. The meeting, which was attended by Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív, election candidates Cllr Catherine Connolly (Ind) and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (SF), agreed to send a delegation to ask Mr Kenny to reverse his party’s policy.
Mr Kyne, who is canvassing in Connemara, said the Fine Gael party members in his area were “very upset” at Mr Kenny’s assertion on Raidío na Gaeltachta’s Adhmhaidín this week that compulsory Irish for the Leaving Cert would be dropped by his party in government. “We understood that the party policy on this was to conduct a review and consult with stakeholders before making a final decision,” Mr Kyne said. “I support the Fine Gael stance that there is a problem with teaching spoken Irish, but I think that taking a decision without consultation will cost us votes in the Gaeltacht areas.”
Ms Healy-Eames said her party was starting a “major debate on the teaching of the language”, but there would have to be an independent review and consultation before a final decision was taken. Mr Ó Cuív, a former Gaeltacht minister, said it appeared Labour and Fine Gael were in agreement on the issue, which would have huge consequences for the language and Irish summer colleges. Máire Denvir of Coláiste Chamuis in Connemara and spokeswoman for Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí Samhraidh, the group representing summer Irish colleges, said every child should have the right to study the language, and a separate optional subject on the culture of the language. Fine Gael had “missed the point”; the curriculum had changed and would be in place by 2012.
Peadar MacFhlannchadha, of Conradh na Gaeilge in Galway, said summer colleges were worth EUR14 million in the Galway Gaeltacht alone based on 2007 figures. The meeting acknowledged there were “problems” with the teaching of Irish in schools, but said the 20-year Irish language strategy, published late last year, would address this.
The Irish Times – Lorna Siggins
Concert in aid of Gaelscoil Ráth Tó
February 10, 2011
Gaelscoil Chill Dara are to host a concert in aid of Gaelscoil Rath Tó on Thursday, 10th March in Gaelscoil Chill Dara with John Spillane, Eoin Dillon (Kila) and other musicians. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the school.
Gaelscoil Ráth Tó is a co-educational, Catholic, Irish-medium school, located in Ratoath Community Centre and under the Patronage of Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge Teo. All children, regardless of their linguistic, social, religious background or nationality are very welcome in the school. The school was founded in 2010 as a result of a campaign by local parents to ensure that Irish-medium education would be available to their children, and registrations for 2010 are still being accepted. The school functions in accordance with the rules of the Department of Education & Skills as a non-fee paying school, though the Department have not yet granted recognition to the school. We hope that Departmental recognition will be forthcoming in 2011. Gaelscoil Ráth Tó is currently run with the financial assistance of a number of national Irish-language organisations, as well as donations received through fundraising efforts by the school community.
‘Ní féidir linn glacadh le polasaí Gaeilge Fhine Gael’
February 10, 2011
Irish language policy document for Election 2011
February 8, 2011
An Chomhdháil has published a new policy document outlining the commitments sought by the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities in the forthcoming general election. These commitments are based on issues discussed at a political debate on the Irish language hosted by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge last week.
Amongst the issues discussed were Irish as a Leaving Certificate subject, the starus of Irish language in the Civil Service, the support structures for the 20 Year Irish Language Strategy as well as the enterprise development role of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Arising from the seminar, below are the preliminary demands for election 2011 which Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge will discuss with all political parties:
An Ghaeltacht
• An Chomhdháil demands adequate resources and supports be provided to Údarás na Gaeltachta to maintain its enterprise functions in Gaeltacht areas.
• An Chomhdháil demands every support be given to families who wish to raise their children through Irish, both in Gaeltacht areas and across the country.
20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language
• An Chomhdháil demands the correct structures be established to implement the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language effectively and efficiently, and that the expertise and skills of the Irish language voluntary sector be utilised fully in this regard.
• An Chomhdháil demands that the functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta be clarified, and ratified in the necessary legislation, and that a timescale be laid down for the enactment of such required legislation, which will give the Strategy a legislative foothold.
Irish in the Education System
• An Chomhdháil demands full support be given to the Irish language as a core subject at Leaving Certificate level, and as a minimum entry requirement to third level courses.
• An Chomhdháil demands that a provision be made in the education system to provide an Irish language curriculum which takes into account the requirements of students who are fluent in the language.
• An Chomhdháil demands a review of the education system, to find better methods of ensuring all children at both primary and secondary level are fully proficient in Irish.
• An Chomhdháil demands provision be made to facilitate the requirements of parents in relation to Irish language education.
Irish in the Civil Service
• An Chomhdháil demands the Official Languages Act 2003 be fully implemented across the entire Civil Service.
• An Chomhdháil demands the Civil Service be reorganised in order to provide increased services through Irish on a proactive basis. Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge recommends exercising positive discrimination in the Civil Service recruitment process in favour of candidates who are competent in both English and Irish.
Speaking at the public seminar, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Pádraig Mac Criostail commented: “In order to improve the status of the Irish language, it is necessary that Irish language policies, effected by the next Government, have a factual basis, and utilise the measures of best practice from the field of language planning.”
“The election demands outlined by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge draw on the expertise of the Irish language sector, and on public consultation. An Chomhdháil will seek assurances on each of the above demands from all parties”, he added.
Further information about this public seminar is available online at www.gaelport.com/seiminearpoibli.
Scléip – Winners of the Leinster Heat
February 8, 2011
The Leinster Heat took place in the Axis theatre (in Ballymun, Dublin) on February 7th and there were 7 schools with us on the day. Congratulations to everyone who took part, it was a great competition and all of the participants deserve praise for the wonderful show they put on for us. We're looking forward to the Competiton Final in the Axis on April 2nd. If you've any photographs from last Monday's event, we'd be delighted if you emailed them to us. Here's the list of winners:
- Traditional and classical music (solo): Tiernan Shaw, Coláiste Pobail Osraí, Kilkenny
- Modern music (solo): Míchéal Konstantin, Coláiste Cois Life, Dublin
- Traditional and classical singing: “Anaithnid”, Coláiste Chilliain, Dublin
- Traditional and classical music (group): “Oíche Dhearg”, Coláiste Cois Life, Dublin
- Modern music (group): “Domhaintarraingt”, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, Carlow
- Creative dance: Ceoltóirí Reachrann (grúpa sinsir), Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Dublin
- Drama and mime: “Mairtíreacht Naomh Bhríde”, Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Dublin
- Variety: “Ceathrar leaids”, Scoil Chaitríona, Dublin
- Judges’ Award: “Zú”, Coláiste Cois Life, Dublin
The first steps towards a viable Irish Language Strategy
February 8, 2011
At a public seminar hosted yesterday by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, experts in language planning, in relation to the Irish language, spoke on the steps which must be taken to implement the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language.
Speaking at the seminar, Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Liam Ó Cuinneagáin said: “It is important that the proposed role of Údarás na Gaeltachta is clarified, and that the methods of implementation of the Strategy are agreed. While the proposed role of Údarás na Gaeltachta is a national one, an tÚdarás will continue to function in Gaeltacht regions only, until such a time as the relevant arrangements have been made to give an tÚdarás a national function”.
The Irish language Commissioner, Seán Ó Cuireáin, spoke of the results which were now apparent from a decision taken in the 1970s, to remove the requirement of civil servants to be competent in both English and Irish, and declared this decision an “abject failure” for the Irish language. He cited the Department of Education and Skills, which recently revealed that only 1.5% of its administrative staff had sufficient competence in Irish to be able to provide service in that language. “That department is by no means unique and the absence of competence in Irish is common through most Government departments and agencies,” he said.
Speaking at a political debate on the Irish language held as part of the seminar were: Minister Pat Carey T.D., Fianna Fáil; Frank Feighan, TD., Fine Gael; Brian O’Shea, T.D., The Labour Party; Aengus Ó Snodaigh, T.D., Sinn Féin; and Dominic Ó Brollcháin, MLA, SDLP. Among the issues discussed were, Irish as a Leaving Certificate subject, addressing the Irish language in the Civil Service, support structures for the 20 Year Irish Language Strategy and an implementation plan for the Strategy, and the issue of the functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Arising from the seminar, below are the preliminary demands for election 2011 which Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge will discuss with all political parties:
An Ghaeltacht
• An Chomhdháil demands adequate resources and supports are provided to Údarás na Gaeltachta to maintain its enterprise functions in Gaeltacht areas.
• An Chomhdháil demands every support be given to families who wish to raise their children through Irish, both in Gaeltacht areas and across the country.
20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language
• An Chomhdháil demands the correct structures be established to implement the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language effectively and efficiently, and that the expertise and skills of the Irish language voluntary sector be utilised fully in this regard.
• An Chomhdháil demands that the functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta be clarified, and ratified in the necessary legislation, and that a timescale be laid down for the enactment of such required legislation, which will give the Strategy a legislative foothold.
Irish in the Education System
• An Chomhdháil demands full support be given to the Irish language as a core subject at Leaving Certificate level, and as a minimum entry requirement to third level courses.
• An Chomhdháil demands that a provision be made in the education system to provide an Irish language curriculum which takes into account the requirements of students who are fluent in the language.
• An Chomhdháil demands a review of the education system, to find better methods of ensuring all children at both primary and secondary level are fully proficient in Irish.
• An Chomhdháil demands provision is made to facilitate the requirements of parents in relation to Irish language education.
Irish in the Civil Service
• An Chomhdháil demands the Official Languages Act 2003 be fully implemented across the entire Civil Service.
• An Chomhdháil demands the Civil Service be reorganised in order to provide increased services through Irish on a proactive basis.
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge recommends exercising affirmative action in the Civil Service recruitment process in favour of candidates who are competent in both English and Irish.
Speaking at the public seminar, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Pádraig Mac Criostail commented: “In order to improve the status of the Irish language, it is necessary that Irish language policies, effected by the next Government, have a factual basis, and utilise the measures of best practice from the field of language planning. The election demands outlined by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge draw on the expertise of the Irish language sector, and on public consultation. An Chomhdháil will seek assurances on each of the above demands from all parties”.
Published on Gaelport.com 4 February 2011
Gaelcholáiste organise mass meeting in Balbriggan Town Hall
February 8, 2011
Coláiste Ghlór na Mara,with a current enrollment of over 450 pupils,has organised a mass meeting in Balbriggan Town Hall on Wednesday 16th February at 8.00 p.m.
A full spectrum of Dublin North constituency candidates will be in attendance.
“The objective of this meeting is to push the Gaelcholáiste over the final hurdle and achieve official departmental recognition.We have met all the main criteria in regards having the demand with over 450 already enrolled
In regards infrastructure Balbriggan is serviced by an excellent bus(local and commuter),rail and is located in the centre of the catchment area for the Gaelcholáiste within easy access from the M1 motorway. In regards the site the department has already purchased a site designated for a secondary school and is ready to go.In regards cost we have managed to source a relative new 16 classroom temporary structure at 10% of the cost of a new school which is to be demolished shortly if action is not taken.
In regards support, all Gaelscoils in Dublin North have endorsed our campaign with letters to the department.We have met with the department and the ministers team and received a positive response.All our ducks are in a row,now is the time for action in order to give 450 families a definitive answer.”
Transport will be provided for all Gaelscoils in Dublin North to attend this critical meeting (If you require transport from Swords or Rush, please email to confirm: – colaisteghlornamara@gmail.com )
Tim Ó Tuachaigh
Cathaoirleach
Colaiste Ghlor na Mara
Martin: Fine Gael policy would lead to extinction of Irish language
February 8, 2011
Fine Gael’s plan to abolish the teaching of the Irish language as a core subject for the Leaving Certificate would lead to the extinction of the language, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin claimed today.
“Irish belongs to us all and the Irish people have never had a more favourable attitude to the revival of the language,” he said. “We need to continue to reform the way Irish is taught and promoted but downgrading the status of the language in our education system would lead to the extinction of our language. “Enda Kenny should look at the evidence as to what has happened elsewhere when the study of languages was made optional. He should listen to the experts in this area and to those members of his own party who obviously recognise how misguided this approach is.
“Our Twenty Year Strategy for Irish is the most radical and comprehensive plan for the promotion of the language since the foundation of the State. “The strategy is a road map for the development of the language over the next twenty years and sets out a range of new measures – including many concerning how Irish is taught – to increase the number of daily speakers of Irish to 250,000 by 2030. “Fine Gael have given their support to this strategy but that support is now irrelevant given Enda Kenny’s pledge on RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta this morning to abolish the teaching of Irish as a core subject for the Leaving Cert. “Making Irish optional is not an option as far as I am concerned. It would lead not the revival of Irish by 2030 but to its extinction.”
Irish Examiner
Kenny vows to make Irish optional
February 8, 2011
Fluent Irish speaker Enda Kenny is to end compulsory teaching of the language if put into power.
The Fine Gael leader confirmed his party’s election manifesto includes proposals to abolish the subject’s mandatory status in the Leaving Certificate. In an interview on Raidio na Gaeltachta’s Adhmhaidin morning show, Mr Kenny said Irish as a compulsory class had clearly failed. Micheal Martin, Fianna Fail leader, attacked the move, saying: “Making Irish optional is not an option as far as I am concerned. It would lead not (to) the revival of Irish by 2030 but to its extinction.”
Mr Kenny denied his proposals would decimate the Irish language summer college industry, an essential part of the Gaeltacht economy across the west and north-west. He said the party intends to consult with experts and stakeholders before lifting the mandatory status but that the plan would go ahead with the oral worth 50% of marks in the Irish Leaving Cert.
Fergus O’Dowd, Fine Gael education spokesman, said Fianna Fail has no credibility on the language as it took them 13 years to publish a strategy. “It is long-standing Fine Gael policy that Irish should be optional after Junior Cert but we do understand some people’s concerns and we do want to listen to them,” Mr O’Dowd said. “Many stakeholders have passionate and long-standing beliefs on this issue and Fine Gael will consult with these stakeholders before the introduction of Irish as an optional subject.” He added: “Fine Gael will double the proportion of Irish students sitting the Higher Level Leaving Certificate exam by 2018.”
Irish Independent
Kenny’s move on Irish
February 8, 2011
Is Enda Kenny’s latest move, the dropping of Irish from the list of subjects that are compulsory for the Leaving Cert, an evidence-based initiative or is it merely a populist move aimed at maximising his party’s vote?
Who, after all, likes sitting examinations? Ask any leaving certificate student – many would be happy to drop out of anything, whether maths, science, English or Irish, if given the chance.
Mr Kenny told Radio na Gaeltachta this morning that he was very much in favour of the Irish language, but as a compulsory subject it had clearly failed.
Just a few minutes spent perusing comments under the ‘#gaeilge’ hashtag on twitter made it clear the Fine Gael leader’s comments had not landed on deaf ears.
One tweeter wondered how it was that “Mr Kenny wants to make Irish non-compulsory for the Leaving yet a few weeks ago argued that the #dail should debate more as Gaeilge”.
Another said “Enda Kenny has absolutely NO RIGHT to decide the future of the Irish Language. This is a national disgrace!”
“Well if Enda Kenny is still planning on removing Irish as a compulsory language, sorry Fine Gael but you may well have lost my vote!!” tweeted yet another.
Interestingly enough, the closest tweet I could find to anyone supporting Mr Kenny’s initiative was from a student who was annoyed that Mr Kenny’s measure would come into effect the year after she sits the Leaving Cert.
Mr Kenny has been making noises about the subject since 2005 when he announced that he had decided that Fine Gael in government would make the study of Irish entirely voluntary in the last two years of second level.
His plan was criticised then by activists and educationalists alike.
The then Conradh na Gaeilge president Daithi MacCarthaigh who described the move “as very odd” and said it “doesn’t bear up well to scrutiny”.
Mr Kenny’s rationale for reducing the status of Irish was that students would be freed up to love the language and that most of them would be motivated to continue learning it up to and including the Leaving Certificate examination.
The Fine Gael leader might do well then to examine a similar initiative that the Labour Party introduced in Britain back in 2004 when Tony Blair’s government ended compulsory language study for 14 to 16 year olds.
The radical move was intended to facilitate a new approach to learning where students would be “encouraged” to learn a foreign language through the attainment of grades much in the same way as music is taught.
“We have taken a sensible approach to what will make language learning thrive. It is not about forcing young people to study a language; it is about starting in primary schools, finding new and exciting ways of teaching languages and better supporting those who show an aptitude for the subject”, said the then education secretary Mr Alan Johnson.
“The early signs are encouraging and I am confident that these changes will deliver a new generation of linguists”, he added.
However laudable the goal, the move led directly to a language crisis in Britain’s schools with French slipping out of the top 10 of the most popular subjects at GCSE level last year.
The British government’s move led to the extraordinary intervention of the German ambassador who issued an appeal to the British government, calling on it to consider not implementing the plan.
His fears were recently borne out when Belfast’s Queen’s University closed the German Department citing “unsustainable student numbers” as one of the reasons for the move.
Educationalists and businesses alike warned that the 2004 loss of the statutory language provision would lead to far fewer people studying the subjects.
They were vindicated some years later when Alan Johnson ordered a review of the policy after he said the government was “wondering” whether it had made the right decision when it scrapped compulsory language classes.
If implemented, Enda Kenny’s move would also be likely to weaken teaching provision at both schools and universities as was the experience in Britain. The related fall in numbers taking Irish until the Leaving Cert would also be likely to result in a fall in the number of teachers capable of teaching Irish, in turn limiting the possibility of taking Irish for those who wish to study it for the Leaving Cert.
Thousands of languages are at this moment in the process of being driven to extinction by higher status languages and a move to lower the status of Irish, for whatever reason, will more than likely result in harm to the language than not.
If he believes the move to make Irish non-compulsory would support and encourage Irish for all, perhaps using the same rationale, a move towards making maths or English optional should also be on the cards?
