We want equality

I am following up this again with the Minister of Education, Mr. Richard Bruton. Here's the correspondence. Dear Mr. Newcombe, Hope this email find you well, wish you and Minister Bruton a very happy year of Rooster. I have been following the Minister on Twitter and learned that he's working on consultation on roles of religion in school admissions which addresses equality in education for our children. Well done and that's a very positive step in equality for all the people in this country. On that equality trend, I was just wondering if there's any news from the department regarding the languages strategy which, as stated in your last correspondence would be finalised last year. Mandarin should be included in the leaving certificate curriculum not only to show our country is ready to enhance and grow our connection in Asia, but also to give our Irish Chinese speaking children an equal opportunity to be certified in a language that is as important as any other European language. Thank you and I look forward to hear from you. regards Evan Furlong Mr. Evan Furlong liufurlong@gmail.com PLEASE QUOTE REF NUMBER ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE. Our Ref: 1603378 /AM Dear Mr. Furlong, The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Richard Bruton TD, has asked me to respond to your recent e-mail in relation to Mandarin Chinese. This Department is currently considering the findings from a consultation process based on a policy document on Languages in Education published last year. Amongst the topics being considered in this context is the possibility of offering additional languages for the Leaving Certificate. It is expected that a languages strategy will be finalised in late 2016. As part of the new Framework for Junior Cycle, schools can decide to include a short course in Chinese language and Culture, prepared by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, in their junior cycle programme. There is also currently a Transition Year module on Chinese, which was taken by 4,825 students in 2015. I hope that this information is of assistance. Yours sincerely, Derek Newcombe Private Secretary