In My Opinion: Tackling our insecurites about languages is vital to the economy [Independent.ie]
- Published: 09 November 2011
Given the current state of the country, it's hardly surprising there's much wrangling around education.
The Junior Cert is set for a Joan Rivers-style facelift, whilst Ruairi Quinn agonises over how to make the education system "fit for purpose". In terms of foreign languages, this task is massive: having consistently ignored complaints from experts and educators, having whistled past the sprawling graveyard of domestic policy documents and directives from the EU, will the Government finally make modern foreign languages a priority and source of pride in Ireland's schools?
According to a Royal Irish Academy (RIA) report, 66pc of people claimed no knowledge of a modern foreign language. It's unsurprising, since learning a foreign language in school isn't compulsory.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
