Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 12 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 May 1999. It was answered by Lord McFall of Alcluith (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 May 1999 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, If she will make a statement on the funding of language teaching in Northern Ireland. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the funding of language teaching in Northern Ireland. [84450] Mr. McFall: The Government consider it important to encourage the teaching of the major European languages in Northern Ireland and so language studies are one of the 6 areas of compulsory study within the Northern Ireland curriculum. All grant aided post-primary schools must offer pupils the opportunity to study one of French, German, Spanish or Latin, but funding for such provision is not identified separately. Schools may also offer Irish and pupils taking Irish thereby fulfil the requirements of the curriculum.

Secondary information