Learning languages

Hi folks!
As we were talking about what languages are taught in which countries and about English as the international language the other day in class I thought you might find this article from "The Irish Times" interesting, concerning foreign language teaching in Ireland. Click here: Learning languages.
See if you can answer the following questions:
1.What fraction of Irish people say they can speak a foreign language?
2. Is foreign language learning obligatory in the Irish educational system?
3. Does the National University of Ireland require a foreign language qualification for admission?
4. Why does the report mentioned state that language learning should be compulsory?
5. What does a "rounded" education refer to?
6. What is the disadvantage of reading in translation according to the journalist?
7. Do you agree with Sarah Smyth?
8. Is maths more important than languages?