Language policy 'would boost trade'

The Government must devise a new foreign language policy to support the international services sector, which currently employs 23,280 people.

It must also integrate foreign language training into all primary schools to boost the pool of staff in the Republic with a knowledge of foreign languages, according to a new report by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.

Demand & Supply of Foreign Language Skills in the Enterprise Sector found that there is currently no deficit in the availability of language skills, but it highlights the prospective future benefits for exports and foreign direct investment that would flow from an increased emphasis on language skills by the State.

More foreign language skills would also enhance the attractiveness of Ireland for multinationals.

The report identifies several weaknesses in the educational system, including the fact that students do not take Leaving Certificate language subjects that reflect Ireland's trading partners.

A new national languages policy should be formulated by the Department of Education and Science, in collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the report says.