Rise in numbers for higher level Irish in Leaving Cert

The number of Leaving Certificate students aiming for higher level Irish this summer is heading for 20,000 as exam reforms bring a boost for the language.

Although more than half continue to choose ordinary or foundation level, preliminary indications to the State Examinations Commission show that 42% of the 46,000-plus expected to sit Irish exams in June will take the honours papers.

The 19,481 higher level entries compares to 17,443 (40%) at the same stage in 2012 and 18,151 (41%) a year ago, with 54% signed up for now to take ordinary level Irish and 4% due to take foundation level.