The number of third-level students in Ireland with proficiency in foreign languages is among the lowest in Europe, a new study has found.

Just five per cent of college graduates claim the ability to speak two foreign languages, which placed Ireland second from bottom in the table of 25 countries, ahead of only Turkey, the Irish Independent reported.

The newspaper suggested that compulsory Irish lessons at secondary school level may be partly to blame, as this means most pupils only end up studying one other European tongue.

A spokesman for the Department of Education suggested students may lack incentives as they feel being able to speak English will be all they need.

He added that over 70 per cent of schools offer two or more foreign languages, while 81 per cent of students study three such subjects - English, Irish and one other - to Leaving Certificate level.

Last month, the Irish Times reported that the government is considering dropping the foreign language requirement for third-level entrants in favour of more science-based subjects.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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