Chinese set to become a Leaving Cert subject

Chinese looks set to be a Leaving Certificate subject within a few years as well as being an option in the revamped Junior Certificate for all second-level students.

Ruairi Quinn, the education minister, told students already taking Chinese at dozens of schools that it his intention to eventually have exams in the language available for school leavers.

He was speaking at an event to launch an optional subject for transition year students and where details emerged of it becoming a choice for the junior cycle.