asked the Minister for Education, if it is intended to re-introduce Irish as a compulsory subject in the intermediate and leaving certificates and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There is no proposal under consideration at present for an alteration in the current regulations with regard to Irish as a subject at the intermediate and leaving certificate examinations.

May I take it that the Minister does not intend to re-introduce Irish as a compulsory subject in examinations?

I adhere to the wording of my reply. No such proposal is under consideration.