Calls Grow to Reform or Rethink Compulsory Gaeilge in Ireland’s Classrooms

The role of the Irish language in schools has once again become a hot topic, as politicians, educators, parents, and students debate whether it should remain compulsory throughout the Irish education system. With concerns over engagement, fluency, and resource allocation, the question of how we teach Irish—and whether we should continue mandating it—remains deeply divisive.

Why Is Irish Still Compulsory?

Irish has long been a core subject in both primary and secondary schools, a policy rooted in post-independence efforts to revive a language that was once nearly lost. Supporters of the current system argue that Gaeilge is more than a school subject—it’s a fundamental part of Irish identity and heritage.

“To remove Irish from the curriculum would be like cutting out a part of who we are,” said one teacher at a Gaelscoil in Louth.

The Case for Keeping Irish Mandatory

1. Preserving National Identity

The Irish language is central to Ireland’s cultural and historical narrative. Advocates argue that without mandatory education, Irish will continue to fade from public life.

2. Equality of Access

Making Irish optional could disadvantage students who don’t have access to Gaelscoileanna or who come from families without a strong language tradition.

3. Support for Gaeltacht Communities

Retaining Irish in mainstream education offers much-needed solidarity with native-speaking communities, ensuring the language remains relevant in daily life.

4. Modernising the Curriculum Instead

Rather than dropping the subject, many believe in revamping how it’s taught—focusing less on rote grammar and more on spoken fluency, cultural immersion, and real-world use.

The Argument for Change or Choice

1. Low Engagement, Low Outcomes

Despite years of study, many students leave school with limited or no conversational Irish. Critics argue that forcing students to learn a language they don’t enjoy or find useful is counterproductive.

2. Unfair Academic Pressure

With Irish required for the Leaving Cert, many feel the subject adds unnecessary stress to already overloaded timetables, especially for students who struggle with languages.

3. Wasted Resources

Millions are spent annually on Irish language promotion. Some suggest these funds could be better used to support healthcare, housing, or special education, or to offer voluntary Irish classes for those truly interested.

4. Choice Fosters Enthusiasm

Voluntary learning, they argue, is more effective than compulsory study. Making Irish optional could lead to better engagement among willing students and open the door to more modern teaching methods.

What Does the Public Think?

A recent Red C poll revealed:

• 65% of adults believe Irish should be taught in schools
• Only 29% support it being compulsory

The issue is also generational—older respondents tend to favour keeping it mandatory, while younger people and urban dwellers lean towards reform or removal.

What’s Happening in Policy?

While the Department of Education has not announced plans to scrap Irish as a core subject, there is increasing political and public pressure to reform the curriculum.

Recent discussions in the Oireachtas have included:

• Making Irish optional after Junior Cert
• Increasing funding for Gaelscoileanna and immersion programmes
• Shifting the focus to conversational fluency over academic performance

Final Thought

The future of Irish in schools is at a crossroads. Whether it remains mandatory or becomes a matter of choice, one thing is clear: how we teach the language needs serious attention. For now, the debate continues—balancing tradition with practicality, and identity with inclusion.

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