Madam, - Perhaps it is Mairéad Seery (March 19th) who is missing the point: Fluency in two languages makes it so much easier to learn a third, a fourth and a fifth, and more. Our children had Irish from me, and Spanish from my wife. They picked up English fairly quickly. They attended all-Irish schools and qualified in Irish, English, Spanish and French. Today, most of them have learned other languages.
Ms Seery is right to point out that those who have only one language find it very difficult to learn another. Bilingualism is the key. In Ireland the Gaelscoil is that key. - Yours, etc.,
DEASÚN BREATNACH, Baile an Chnoic, Dún Laoghaire. Co Átha Cliath.