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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Feb 1953

Vol. 136 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teaching of Local History.

asked the Minister for Education if, in connection with An Tóstal, he will ensure that all schools give special attention to the teaching of local history so that visitors may be able to obtain a more useful type of information in each locality.

In the national conference programme for primary schools, the great importance of local history in the general teaching of the subject is stressed. Teachers are advised that special attention should be paid to the part played by the district during the period under treatment, its patron saints, the notable persons connected with it, the events and legends of which it was the scene, and its historic remains. Teachers are recommended to bring their pupils occasionally to places of historic interest in their neighbourhood. The programme provides also that local history in the higher standards should be treated in greater detail.

The Department has issued a pamphlet containing elaborate notes on the teaching of history in the schools, a copy of which is available for each teacher. It deals in detail with the part which local history should play in the development of the subject and provides much help and guidance for the teachers in their approach to it.

In these circumstances, I do not think it necessary to issue any special circular on the matter to the schools in connection with An Tóstal.

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