Mickey Brady MLA Motions 150 and 154
Published: 1 March, 2008
Mickey Brady MLA for Newry Armagh is a long standing community activist.
Mickey Brady MLA for Newry Armagh, member of Rankin Rowntree Murtagh Cumann, Newry. Speaking in support of motions 150 and 154.
These motions strike to the heart of the education debate taking place right across this island and the differences in government approach - north and south - could not be more striking.
In the 6 counties we have a Minister, a second successive Sinn Féin Education Minister delivering on issues that matter. For years we have listened to seemingly endless waffle about the 11 plus and how next year would be its last year!
I was told in 1962 that we would to be the last children that would sit this exam! Yet 40 odd years later in a single stroke of Martin McGuinness's pen academic selection at age 11 ended. In an instant Sinn Féin positively impacted on the life of every child in the Six Counties.
Caitríona Ruane continuing this work has stated clearly that the 11 plus system that fails 12,000 of our children each year is no longer acceptable. She is now putting the finishing touches to her plans for a replacement system for 'academic election' not selection and she is to be applauded for her efforts.
This, a chairdé, is power in action, delivery on key issues, this is Sinn Féin in government.
I also speak in favour of 154.
The most positive part of the revival of the Irish language has been the explosion in popularity of the Gaelscoileanna system across all 32 counties. A positive, proactive and supportive approach to Irish language education has been a core tenant of Sinn Féin education policy.
Does the Fianna Fail Education Minister want to nurture and support Irish language education? No! Instead Mary Hanafin attacks the language by attempting to abolish early immersion education in Irish.
Early immersion language learning works.
A chairde support 150 and 154.
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