#469 Fluency or Folly? Irish in the Classroom

In this episode, Niall puts the question to listeners — and to guest Karl Deeter — whether more investment in the Irish language is money well spent. The conversation kicks off with Deputy Ryan O’Meara’s proposal for a mandatory Gaeltacht course for all Leaving Cert students, aimed at boosting fluency and transforming attitudes towards Irish.Callers weigh in with a range of views:One argues that a Gaeltacht experience could make Irish feel alive rather than just an academic subject.Another says spending more is pointless when most students forget the language after school.A third insists that the Irish language is part of our identity and worth preserving at any cost.A fourth warns that forcing students into a Gaeltacht stay will only breed more resentment.From cultural pride to practical concerns, Niall and Karl hear it all in a lively debate on whether the future of the Irish language should come with a bigger price tag.