There is a risk of complacency over the relatively low level of proficiency in a second foreign language exhibited by young Irish people. The latest figures from the EU show Ireland languishing at the bottom of the table for 18- to 24-year-olds at 68 per cent.
Levels in the mid-eighties to the mid-nineties are common in other EU states but the likelihood that English is the foreign language of choice of young people in these countries substantially mitigates the practical problems caused by Ireland’s low uptake. Regardless of this, the latest figures do not reflect well on efforts to increase proficiency in European languages to forge stronger and closer links with other European Union member states post-Brexit.
The current Department of Education strategy, which runs until 2026, sets ambitious objectives including boosting the percentage of student sitting foreign languages at Leaving Certificate level. It is has failed, however, to stem the decline in the number sitting them, with the most recent figures pointing to a 10 per cent drop. As the minister responsible, this is on Norma Foley.
The reason for the decline is not clear but possible explanations include the ever-increasing number of Leaving Certificate subjects on offer. Students may see some of these subjects as better options – in terms of the effort required to attain higher marks – than traditional languages. It is part of the inevitable and endemic gaming of the Leaving Cert, which is a significant flaw in the system for third level admission.
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The increased importance attached to Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects and difficulties in finding qualified language teachers are also potential obstacles.
Whatever the precise causes, there are a number of obvious fixes that should be implemented. They include more language teaching at primary level – something that is planned, but needs a determined roll-out and support. More funding for second level language exchanges and for teaching resources, including language assistants, are two others.