Irish-language schools directive blasted
By Laura Glenn
A Buncrana councillor has hit out at a controversial new plan by the education minister.
Councillor Daren Lalor is furious that Mary Hanafin is going ahead with a directive that will force all-Irish language primary schools to teach English from the start of the second term of junior infants.
Most schools do not introduce the language until senior infants or first class.
The minister said she believed the decision will not have a detrimental effect on the Irish language.
There are a number of Irish-language schools in Inishowen.
The peninsula’s first Irish-language secondary school opened its doors to great acclaim last year.
Councillor Lalor is a member of the parent’s committee of Gaelscoil, Buncrana and was also a founder member of the Gaelcholáiste.
He said the minister is “wrong”.
He was reacting to comments made by his party colleague, Donegal senator Pearse Doherty who said the minister was “paying lip service to consultation”.
He asked for clarification after it was revealed that a letter was sent to schools, parents organisations and teachers unions seeking consultation and proposals on the issue.
These were to be submitted by April 30.
However, Senator Doherty said the regulations “come into effect on May 1” and “there would not be enough time to take into account submissions made”.
Councillor Lalor is furious.
He said Inishowen is going through a “revival” in the language.
He said: “It really beggars belief that the minister intends to end the Irish language immersion, when here in Inishowen we are witnessing a fantastic revival of our language.
“The revival of our language here in the peninsula is down to the hard work and dedication of parents and teachers alike.
“So, if these groups are reluctant to comply with Mary Hanafin’s new regulations then surely that must send a signal to her that she may be wrong?”
The directive was prompted by a controversy at a Gaelscoil in Tralee.
Parents objected to the withdrawal of English language tuition for junior and senior infants at the school.
A subsequent report from a Department of Education inspector said the lack of tuition had a strong impact on the pupils’ English skills.
This has been greatly disputed.
