Hanafin announces plans to improve teaching of Irish

Education Minister Mary Hanafin has announced plans to improve the teaching of Irish in schools around the country.

Ms Hanafin told the annual conference of the Irish National Teachers Organisation today that a team of 30 language experts would be appointed to help teachers improve their Irish.

She also said a number of summer camps would be established to encourage children aged between 10 and 13 to take part in fun activities through Irish.

The INTO has welcomed the move.

"For quite a number of years, we have been demanding extra resources for the actual teaching of the spoken language to take the emphasis away from reading and writing," spokesman Denis Bohane said.

"Teachers will welcome any assistance they are given to improve their skills."