A report has said foreign language skills will be important to the future development of Irish business, warning that any deficit in this area will stop companies achieving their full potential.
The report by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs finds that there is currently no evidence of a deficit in the availability of language skills. But it highlights the potential future benefits of an increased emphasis on such skills, especially for exports and inward investment.
The report says the current profile of languages being studied in the public education system - dominated by French - 'has arisen in an ad hoc manner'. The report said this situation owed more to historical factors that any analysis of the needs of learners and the State.
It calls for a National Language Policy to be formulated by the Department of Education & Science, and for the pilot Modern Languages in Primary School programme to be made available to all schools.
The group finds that many Irish firms do not place great value on foreign language skills. It also says the availability of an internal supply of foreign language skills would enhance the attractiveness of Ireland for foreign multi-nationals.
The report also suggests that future policy should take account of patterns of migration into Ireland, and that immigrants' language skills should be used as a resource.
