Martin condemns cuts to language support initiative [fiannafail.ie]
- Published: 08 December 2011
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has described as “extremely regressive and short-sighted” the decision to cut the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative (MLPSI). The initiative has been in operation to great effect since 1998 following its launch by Deputy Martin when he was Minister for Education.
Deputy Martin said: “I am appalled by the decision to shut down this initiative. Thousands of children have benefited from this scheme over the years learning Spanish, which is spoken by half the world’s population, French, German and Italian. The initiative has been a fantastic way of developing language learning among young people.
“The Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative has helped bring about greater diversity in the language capacity of students and all experts recognise that it is much easier for students to develop another language skill at a young age. The initiative involves introducing Italian, Spanish, German and French into 5th and 6th classes. As we all know students can develop a love of languages in their school years which they will carry with them through education.
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