Madam, - Your readers may or may not be aware of a survey being conducted by the Department of Education and Science among the parents and students of Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Dingle.
According to Minister for Education Mary Hanafin, the survey is "a reasonable attempt to assess the feelings of the parents and pupils" regarding education through Irish. It is then planned to ask the school management how it intends to accommodate pupils with weak or no Irish.
But the Minister is aware that the school is making every effort to assist those with language difficulties, with bilingual instruction where necessary and in particular where State exams are concerned, with a specially appointed language tutor to help those in extreme difficulty.
This issue has arisen due to the influx of non-Irish speaking families to the west Kerry Gaeltacht over recent years and because some local households are dissatisfied with the Irish-language policy of the school and have indicated this to the Minister.
It remains to be seen what action the Minister will propose following her survey, but it should be of interest to schools in the greater Dublin area and in other cities and towns where language conflict is being experienced.
- Is mise,
FEARGAL MAC AMHLAOIBH, Dún Chaoin, Trá Lí, Co Chiarraí.