Launch of Report about Mandarin Chinese Teaching in Irish Post-Primary Schools

Launch of Report about Mandarin Chinese Teaching in Irish Post-Primary Schools 

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I welcome the opportunity to participate in the launch of this important report about Mandarin Chinese teaching, and I thank you for inviting me to speak today.

 As Ambassador Lu Biwei (‘Lyoo Bee-way’) has pointed out, this year marks the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and China. It also marks the 10^th anniversary of the Government’s Asia Strategy, which has prioritised the development of our relations with Asia, including China. The links between our two countries have been strengthened by this; by our frank and open dialogue; and by the number of high-level visits in both directions. The large and enthusiastic attendance at the series of events held this year to mark the 30^th anniversary is testimony to the current strength of our relations.  I would like to pay a personal tribute to Ambassador Biwei and his predecessors in Dublin for their role in achieving this.

Economic growth in China has been truly spectacular. It is now the third largest economy in the world, and its bilateral trade with Ireland is increasing annually. One of the central messages at the recent Global Economic Forum at Farmleigh was the importance of continuing our efforts to strengthen and extend our links with China into the future. Already, over 300 Irish companies operate in China. But there are many more opportunities. To avail of these opportunities, it is important to keep pace with developments and to plan strategically. An ability to communicate in Chinese, and an understanding of Chinese culture, are major advantages to doing business in China.

Today’s research report, published by the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland and the Irish Institute for Chinese Studies at UCD, as well as their recent Survey of Irish Business in China, highlight the need to improve our knowledge of Chinese society, language and culture. In doing so, Irish people will have a competitive advantage and be better equipped to operate in the dynamic, emerging market of China.

The third-level sector is already working to achieve these objectives, as evidenced by the large number of third level institutions which accompanied the Taoiseach to China last October. Universities here are developing links, including Joint Programmes, and student and academic exchanges, with Universities in China. The Irish Institute for Chinese Studies at UCD; the two Confucius Institutes; and the Asia Studies Ireland Association – whose annual Conference I attended earlier this month – are working to create stronger educational, cultural and commercial ties between our two countries. More needs to be done. Today’s report highlights the added potential of learning Mandarin Chinese at an early stage for academic, career and trade purposes, and is therefore very timely.

I congratulate Dr Lan Li and Ms. Emer Nowlan for their excellent work in compiling the report, and would like to pay tribute to the Chinese Language Council; the Chinese Embassy; and our own Department of Education and Science; National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; and UCD for providing assistance.

I look forward to the continued strengthening of our links with China and hope that today’s report and its findings will provide guidance in helping to achieve this.  

Thank you.