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.

It is imperative that circulars 44/07 be withdrawn and that schools be free to provide early total immersion in Irish, as was the case heretofore.

Cathal Ó FeinneadhaMaolsheachlainn Ó Caollaí, Pádraig Ó SnodaighAlbert, FryÍte Ní ChionnaithÁine de Baróid, Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, Tomás Mac Ruairí, Séagh Mac Siúrdáin, Nollaig Ó Gadhra and Dáithí Mac Cárthaigh

Comhairle na nUachtarán

Conradh na Gaeilge

6 Sráid Fhearchair

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