asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been drawn to statements made by the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland with regard to the inadequacy of the time allowed for discussion of the projected new mathematics courses for the Leaving Certificate, and with regard to the fact that the first intimations that teachers had of these courses was what they read in the press; and if he will now give an account of the authorities consulted prior to the compilation of these courses, and the consultation which it is proposed to have with the secondary teachers, before the introduction of these courses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leaving Certificate Mathematics Course.
37.
The normal procedure was adopted in regard to these courses. When drafted, they were submitted to all the recognised school associations which were given ample time to consider them and to submit any observations in regard to them which they might wish to offer. As is usual it was the intention that the publication of the final version of the courses would await the views of the various associations and the consideration of these views by my Department.
In the case of the proposed mathematics courses, premature information in regard to them was given to the Press. This information did not emanate from my Department.