Kenny calls for an end to compulsory Gaeilge

FINE GAEL Leader Enda Kenny last night called for compulsory Irish to be scrapped for the Leaving Certificate.

Speaking ahead of his party’s National Convention, to be held in Millstreet today, Mr Kenny said the move - sure to be resisted by many Irish-language activists - would actually have the effect of supporting and encouraging the speaking of the language.

He is proposing that Irish remain a compulsory part of the curriculum up to Junior Certificate level but that students would then be given an option to drop the language in the final two years of secondary school.

“As one who speaks Irish, I believe we must acknowledge that our language is in trouble,” he said.

“Even though our young people receive on average 1,500 hours of education in Irish, many are leaving school without any reasonable command of the language.

“Despite the fact that they learn Irish all through their schooling, only three out of 10 students of Irish attempt the honours paper in the Leaving Certificate.

“Compulsion is a blunt tool. Forcing students to learn Irish is not working, and is actually driving many young people away from any real engagement with this beautiful language.

“After the Junior Certificate, young people should have a choice whether they continue to learn Irish.”