A study on attitudes towards the Irish language has found people in the Republic wish to study the language "to pass the exams", whereas in Northern Ireland the primary factor is "learning Irish for its own sake".
The ESRI and Amárach Research study also found that while the attitudes of the adult population towards the language are broadly positive, this does not translate into significant use of the language.
Irish is more likely to be spoken by younger people in the Republic of Ireland and Catholic respondents in Northern Ireland, according to the research.
There is considerable support amongst the adult population for the language - 67% of the respondents in the Republic of Ireland and 45% from Northern Ireland felt positive about the Irish language.
However, 41% of respondents in Northern Ireland have "no particular feelings" regarding the Irish language.
There is a significant difference in fluency across the two jurisdictions.
In the Republic, 11% reported being able to conduct most conversations in Irish, compared to 2% in Northern Ireland.
Lead author Dr Merike Darmody said: "The results of this study have shown that the use of, and attitudes to, the Irish language are rooted in three domains: the education system, the family and the wider community.
"While the inter-generational transmission of language attitudes and language use within the family context is important, it needs to be supported by the education system and having opportunities to use the language in other social contexts.
"Furthermore, despite the language policy development in recent decades, without the active engagement from people with regard to learning the language and using it in a variety of social contexts, it is hard to see how the Irish language can flourish in future."
Responding to the findings, CEO Foras na Gaeilge CEO Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh said: "This research helps us carry out our statutory duty to advise the governments, North and South, in relation to Irish language policy.
"The very positive attitudes throughout the general population confirm our own experience and the very real desire for Irish-medium education cannot be ignored."
