Taoiseach urged to stand by Irish-only policy

WE call on the Taoiseach to stand by the Government’s statement on the Irish language (December 2006) wherein it is pledged, inter alia:

“A high standard of all-Irish education will be provided to school students whose parents/guardians so wish.”

The decision by Education Minister Mary Hanafin to ban early total immersion in Irish in infant classes in Irish-medium schools is contrary to this. Early total immersion is a most effective system which results in a high level of competence in both English and Irish for pupils in Irish medium schools.