Changes to education system mean students will not have to pass an Irish language paper to earn state exam certificates.
New rules surrounding state exams means that it is no longer necessary to pass Irish in order to obtain the Leaving, Intermediate or Group Certificates. Pupils at Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square in Dublin learn everything through the Irish language.
One of the schools where all subjects are taught through Irish.
Despite the enthusiasm for the language in some schools, the requirement to pass Irish as a subject is no longer required.
Brother Micheál Ó Donnchu of Coláiste Mhuire says that the changes to requirements will make absolutely no difference to how classes are taught at his school. He does see some implications in schools where the level of Irish is weak and students will not be obliged to sit an exam in Irish. In schools where Irish is not taught very efficiently or where the pupils or the teacher are not interested in Irish, they could use the time to teach another subject. He refutes any claims that the requirement for Irish in state exams was antagonistic to pupils. Overall, he believes that removal of obligatory Irish will have a positive effect on the language and how it is used.
At Muckross Park Dominican Convent in Dublin, Irish is taught like any other subject and up to now, an essential subject in any of the state exams. Reaction to the change in requirements surrounding the Irish language was much the same between pupils and teachers. Sister Domenico says that the new approach will allow greater time for oral Irish.
An immense relief that the element of compulsion had been taken away from teaching Irish.
Teacher Patricia Kinsella agrees with Sr Domenico and believes that schools will carry on teaching Irish despite the removal of the compulsory element. Despite the change in requirements, Irish classes carry on as normal.
This episode of 'Seven Days' was broadcast on 6 April 1973. The reporter is Ted Nealon.
