We need to know more before we embrace immersion in Irish

The campaign for total immersion by the Irish-language movement - and its objection to just 30 minutes of English-language tuition for junior and senior infants in Gaelscoileanna - is ill-advised. A more inclusive and tolerant approach is required, argues Brian O'Shea, Labour Party chairman

The issue of total immersion in Irish in Gaelscoileanna has emerged as a major campaigning issue for a number of Irish language organisations. This follows a directive in July 2007 by the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, to teach two-and-a-half hours of English every week from no later than the start of the second term of the junior infant class.

On the face of it, the decision of the Minister would seem to be quite reasonable and inclusive.

The campaign, which calls for the immediate withdrawal of this circular, has been, to say the least, robust.

The campaign, supported by Gaelscoileanna, Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta, Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Conradh na Gaeilge and Foras Patrúnacha na Scoileanna Lánghaeilge, also seeks to have research carried out in Ireland on the relevant questions about language and literacy in Irish medium schools.

There appears to be no opposition to this research from any quarter. The outstanding issue is, therefore, whether the circular remains in operation.

There has been a legal challenge to the circular by two Gaelscoileanna and Foras Patrúnacha na Scoileanna Lánghaelacha Teoranta, which will likely be the subject of a judicial review in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Minister is prevented from enforcing the circular.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) recommends the freedom for individual schools to choose when English classes are introduced until further research takes place.

The Minister believes that all children should be given equal access to English and Irish lessons from as early an age as possible.

The net issue, then, is whether or not two and a half hours English per week should be taught to junior and senior infants in Gaelscoileanna.

It's difficult to see the justification for not teaching English in Gaelscoileanna at infant level, particularly to children with learning difficulties and children from other countries.

An Foras Patrúnachta has stated that total early immersion is the method of teaching practised and recommended worldwide. It's a beneficial, effective approach to acquiring a minority language without harming acquisition of the mother language.

The NCCA Report on Language and Literacy in Irish Medium Schools states: "In the Irish context there has been very little research on language teaching and the development of emergent literacy and literacy in Irish Medium primary education . . . It is imperative that research is conducted in Ireland that would generate evidence on which national policy on language and literacy in Irish medium primary schools could be based."

As with many issues surrounding the Irish Language it is clear that total immersion in Irish in Gaelscoileanna would benefit from wide-ranging informed debate supported by the appropriate research.

It should be inclusive and reasoned, and, least of all, divisive.

Taking the total immersion issue before the High Court is a major step that may well have downsides.

The question must be asked: does this step promote inclusiveness or the contrary? Is it good for the image of the Irish language movement? Will it effectively stifle debate and the engagement of many who are favourably disposed to the Irish language?

The Irish language and all aspects of Irish language policy has nothing to fear from reasoned inclusive debate. It very badly needs it.

Last weekend Foinse reported that research carried out by Donal O'hAinifein (to be published by the end of this month) shows the standard of English reading is much higher in Gaelscoileanna. According to Foinse, the research supports the campaign of Gaelscoileanna in regard to immersion education and proves that there is no basis for the concern of the Minister that Gaelscoil pupils do not succeed as well as pupils from ordinary primary schools.

One intriguing part of the report states that, according to the research, Gaelscoileanna which are disadvantaged under the Deis Programme in Band 1 and Band 2 have results that prove the pupils in these Gaelscoileanna are also better at English reading than their counterparts.

Indeed, Foinse quotes the following from the author, Donal Ó hAiniféin: "This is a very clear demonstration that there is no disadvantage or gap from the point of view of the standard of reading in English to be seen in the average of Irish Gaelscoileanna.

"The gap that is to be clearly seen is the gap that is to be closed by the ordinary schools to catch up with the high standard of English reading in the Gaelscoileanna."

This all sounds impressive, though the research in full has yet to be published. That said, there is an obvious questions that must be answered:

1. Is the research comparing like with like regarding pupils enrolling in Gaelscoileanna and in English medium schools?

2. What proportion of children with low ability or language difficulties enrol in Gaelscoileanna?

3. How many children who encounter difficulty in Gaelscoileanna subsequently transfer to English medium schools before the end of their primary education?

Without wishing to pre-empt the answers, I suspect that these issues might have an impact on the claims made by Donal Ó hAiniféin.

Those who really care about the Irish language would not indulge in such triumphalism.There is a need for qualitative research, which could take several years to conclude.

In the meantime, is 2.5 hours per week spent teaching English to junior and senior infants so serious that education policy in this area may well be defined by the High Court or even the Supreme Court?

The provision of education and the running of our schools must always be based on the principles of equity, inclusiveness and respect for difference.

The restoration and the development of the Irish language is best served within these parameters.

Faoi scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine - We all live in the shade of one another.

Brian O'Shea is a former primary school teacher and TD for Waterford