24 September 1998 Edition

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Survey shows benefits of Irish

Groundbreaking research carried out by Gaeloiliuint, the Council for Irish Medium Education, has discovered that 97% of those who have passed through Irish medium schools since 1971 are now either in full-time employment or in third level education.

The research found that 64% of those educated in the Six Counties had either gone on to university (44.3%), other third level education (16.5%) or were retaking A levels (3.4%). Another 33% had found full time employment. Of the total, only 2.84% were unemployed and significantly the emigration rate was only 2.3%.

Bunscoil Phobail Feirste headmaster Diarmuid O'Tuama told An Phoblacht, ``kids going through Irish immersion education get off to a great start. The teachers are interested, the parents are interested and with time the kids then become interested. It's all-encompassing and grabs the kids and keeps their attention.''

O'Tuama said, ``it's a whole experience for both the child and the parent and takes a big commitment. Parents have to get involved and learn the language themselves.''

He added, ``you often find kids leaving this school have a positive outlook on education and are very mature. They can give an opinion and logically work out arguments.''


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