Statement by Kerry South Fine Gael General Election Candidate, Cllr. Brendan Griffin, regarding Fine Gael’s Irish Language Policy

Statement by Kerry South Fine Gael General Election Candidate, Cllr. Brendan Griffin, regarding Fine Gael’s Irish Language Policy;

Friday, 11 February 2011

Fine Gael’s Policy on the Irish language has caused great worry, upset and annoyance to many of my constituents, due to the proposal to change the compulsory status of Leaving Certificate Irish. As a Public Representative and Dáil Candidate, I share these sentiments and feel that this would be a regressive step in the development of the language.

I agree that there is a pressing need to revisit how we teach the Irish language within our schools and many of Fine Gael’s proposals in this regard are meritorious. However, I believe that the proposal to remove the compulsory status of Leaving Certificate Irish has negative cultural and economic implications on a local and national level.

I have made representations on the matter to Enda Kenny TD, Leader of Fine Gael, relaying to him the feedback that I have received from many of those concerned with the proposal. If elected a TD for Kerry South, I will prioritise this matter and intend to strongly lobby within the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, to ensure that Irish is retained as a compulsory subject to Leaving Certificate level.

For further information, please contact Brendan on 087 652 8841.

ENDS

Advertisement