HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc660-1W
Mr. Mallon

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the proposed date for publication of the Department of Education and Science's second language guidelines; and if those guidelines will cover the teaching of the Irish language in primary schools.

Dr. Mawhinney

[pursuant to his reply, 24 July 1986]: The Department of Education for Northern Ireland is not publishing any such guidelines.

The Northern Ireland Council for Educational Development is, however, producing a series of guidelines for primary education which is planned to include one on teaching of a second language. It will deal with the teaching of Irish and French. The date of publication has not yet been decided.