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.