The Department of Education has announced that all schools will require parents to take Irish tests before the end of June to show they can support their child’s Irish.

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In a new move to try to improve the way that Irish is learned in schools, the Department of Education has announced that schools will now be required to organise for parents to sit Irish tests before the end of June 2019.

This is to show they can still speak as gaeilge and that they are able to introduce the cúpla focail into the home and support their child.

A spokesperson for the Department said “Too few parents are supporting their child’s Irish learning and we need to tackle this once and for all.”

It’s expected that the Irish tests will take place at schools in evenings to accommodate parent schedules, taking place any time from April until the end of June.

Some parents have reacted strongly to the news while others are more positive in their reaction.

“I hated Irish at school myself so the thought of having to sit a test again in Irish is filling me with dread” said mum of 2, Denise.

Martha, who has three children in primary school, was a bit more circumspect in her reaction. “If it helps my children, I don’t mind sitting the test”.

If you’re facing the new test, here are a few things that might help you practise your Irish vocabulary:

• 60+ Fantastic Irish Words and Phrases to Teach Your Kids
• 7 Must-Have Irish Language Resources
• Cúla4 Player App Helping to Learn Irish
• 5 Suggestions to Bring the cúpla focail Into Your Home

What are your thoughts on the proposed Irish tests for parents? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!