Sir, — Brian Mooney (August 13th) states in his Leaving Cert results analysis that the “significant numbers” (which even though they are considered “significant” are not specified) did not sit the Leaving Cert Irish paper though registered to do so. These numbers he concludes “highlight the question of whether Irish should remain compulsory for all students not exempted up to Leaving Cert level”.
Without reference to the specific numbers and a comparison with possible similar issues in relation to other subjects (for example, only five of the 30 students in my Junior Cert class many moons ago actually sat the French paper) it is not clear that the raising of this question really is among the more obvious analytical conclusions.
Instead it seems indicative of a predisposition among commentators to question the status of Irish at every hand’s turn.
Were a commentator to be otherwise inclined they might point out that despite its compulsory status some 40 per cent of students opted for Leaving Cert higher level Irish, in which they certainly were not compelled. By comparison, Maths, after a few years of bonus points, has reached 27 per cent taking higher level and seems to be considered a success.
More luck to those in the Maths fraternity, by the way, and long may they prosper, but why can the commentariat not find it within itself for once to unreservedly acknowledge the promotion, enthusiasm, talent and hard work that underpins these Irish figures, especially in the face of an unrelenting and indefatigable cohort of naysayers? – Yours, etc.
MARTIN RYAN,
Springlawn Close,
Dublin 15