asked the Minister for Education how she envisages the work and findings of the proposed curriculum development board in the light of the recent announcement of the increase in pupil-teacher ratios; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Curricula.
111.
I have set up a working party within my Department to advise on the detailed arrangements for the establishment of the curriculum and examinations board. The working party will seek the views of the appropriate professional interests concerning this matter. I hope to have the board established on an ad hoc basis by the end of this year or in January 1984. I am sure that the Deputy would be very critical if time for consideration and consultation were not given.
Once established the board will be asked to undertake a review of primary and post-primary curricula. I believe that teachers and the public generally are anxious that such work should be undertaken. In fact at their recent annual union conferences teachers at all levels were calling for curriculum reform. I do not accept any suggestion which may be implied in the question that work of the proposed board will be impeded by adjustments which have had to be made this year in relation to the staffing arrangements for post-primary schools.