''Irish was made compulsory in 1934, some 85 years ago, and the language has not been restored.''
Compulsory Irish in the Leaving certificate is an experiment that has failed, according to the founding President of the University of Limerick.
Ed Walsh's comments come as a review of the final state exam showed mixed views on whether students should have to be examined in the subject.
A public consultation is now underway by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
Ed Walsh, founding President of the University of Limerick said there was a time people were enthusiastic about learning Irish.
''The experiment has failed, Irish was made compulsory in 1934, some 85 years ago, and the language has not been restored,'' he said.
''The interesting this is under British rule there was a great Irish revival of the Gaelic league, and people were enthusiastic about it.
''They were voluntarily pursuing Irish studies and Irish language.''
No official decision has yet been made about making Irish optional for students.
