asked the Minister for Education whether he will consider transferring the primary responsibility for the schools curriculum, as well as responsibility for the examination system, to a schools committee similar to that which has operated successfully in Northern Ireland since 1961.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schools Curriculum.
106.
One of the matters which my Department intends to discuss as soon as possible with all the bodies concerned is the future arrangements for the holding of the postprimary school examinations. This will entail a scrutiny of every aspect of these examinations. Pending the outcome of the necessary discussions and consultations, I would prefer not to make any statement on the matter other than to say that it should not be inferred that representatives of the schools and the teachers are not through syllabus and other committees very much involved in the arrangements for the examinations at the present time.
Will the study the Minister refers to extend to the possibility of transferring primary responsibility for the curriculum to such a committee as well as responsibility for the examination system?
Did I hear the Minister say it should not be inferred that the teachers were not already consulted?
That is true.
I absolve the Minister from any blame in this matter. It is true that the teachers last year were constantly in touch with the Department in relation to the common paper and other such matters, and it would be a good thing to consult them more carefully in future on all matters.
I prefer not to make any further statement at the moment.