Improvement in schools' Irish programmes urged

Irish speaking needs to be placed more centrally in the planning of schoolwork according to reports published by the Department of Education yesterday.

In general, the findings of the reports were favourable for post-primary schools. However, several of the schools reviewed were seen to be in need of improving their Irish programmes.

In the report on Mercy College in Coolock, Dublin the inspectors write: "Regarding conversation, a small amount was practised in all classes in the junior cycle. It was clear that the students had great difficulties with the questions in some of those classes - even though those questions were appropriate to the level of Irish."

The recommendations suggested that "the speaking of Irish should be placed more centrally in the work done with students from their first day in secondary school".

The report on St Kevin's CBS in Arklow, Co Wicklow "recommended that the quantity and standard of material related to the teaching and learning of Irish in the classrooms should be enhanced".

The report also recommended that Coláiste Cholmáin in Claremorris, Co Mayo, should introduce an "objective for each lesson to achieve a balance between student activity and teacher activity to ensure that students have an opportunity to engage with the subject".