A chara, - We call upon the Taoiseach to stand by the Government's statement of December 2006 on the Irish language, 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 Minister for Education 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It is imperative that circular 44/07 be withdrawn and that schools be free to provide early total immersion in Irish as was the case heretofore. -
Is sinne,
CATHAL Ó FEINNEADHA, MAOLSHEACHLAINN Ó CAOLLAÍ, PÁDRAIG Ó SNODAIGH, ALBERT FRY, ÍTE NÍ CHIONNAITH, ÁINE DE BARÓID, GEARÓID Ó CAIREALLÁIN, TOMÁS MAC RUAIRÍ, SÉAGH MAC SIÚRDÁIN, NOLLAIG Ó GADHRA, (Iar-Uachtaráin), DÁITHÍ MAC CÁRTHAIGH, Uachtarán Reatha, Comhairle na nUachtarán, Conradh na Gaeilge, 6 Sráid Fhearchair, Baile Átha Cliath 2.