Sir, - The British Education Minister, David Blunkett, is to be congratulated for declaring Irish an approved language on the schools curriculum there. I have met and taught many British people of Irish descent who lamented the fact that they had not been introduced to the language earlier in life. As one schooled through the mainstream education system in the North, where there is little meaningful access to Irish, I sympathise with their situation. They will appreciate the opportunity to bring their children into some contact with the language, however limited that may turn out to be.
While being interviewed on RTE television on the day of the announcement, Mr Blunkett spoke enthusiastically about the importance of the language in understanding Ireland's history and culture. What a disappointment that RTE chose to follow this in a manner which told us more of the journalist's prejudices than the subject in hand. Standing in a crowded classroom a reporter announced: "The sound of Irish poetry and grammar being drummed into the heads of 11- and 12-year-olds is a familiar one in Irish schools . . . But realistically, can we expect that British pupils will want to learn Irish?"
How sad that a British Minister exhibits a more balanced appreciation of the claims of the Irish language than certain journalists, and how much more so that the vast cultural treasures of Irish tradition should be regarded as an imposition. What I would have given to have had Irish drummed into my head! - Yours, etc., Antain Mac Lochlainn,
Bothar Athracht,
Cabrach,
Baile Atha Cliath 7.