Schools at below-standard level for languages

Irish schools are found to be lacking when it comes to languages.

This is European Day of Languages, which is this year focussing on language skills for business.

Up to 11% of small and medium businesses in Europe have said they have lost contracts because of a lack of language skills.

Ruth Deasy of the European Commission Representation in Dublin has said: "There should be more focus on foreign languages in Ireland's schools, starting at primary level."