Vol. 395 No. 9
274 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education who is responsible for compliance with the provisions of Rule 54 of the Rules for National Schools, requiring the display of the timetable for national schools in a conspicuous place.
Under the Primary School Curriculum introduced in 1971, schools are not required to adhere to a strict timetable in the manner which they were hitherto. Strict compliance with the terms of the Rule is, therefore, no longer insisted upon.
275 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if the subjects in the curriculum for national schools, set out in Rule 70 of the Rules for National Schools, have been modified; and, if so, the manner in which they have been modified.
The more formal programme of instruction for national schools was replaced in 1971 by the new curriculum. This curriculum which is child-centred rather than subject-centred is essentially an integrated entity, involving linguistic, mathematical and artistic organisations of the child's knowledge and experience. For the purpose of convenience its various aspects are arranged under the following heads:
1. Religion.
2. Language (i.e. Irish and English. The suggestions made concerning the teaching of Language should be viewed at all times in the context of the two languages being taught and practised).
3. Mathematics.
4. Social and Environmental Studies.
5. Art and Craft Activities.
6. Music.
7. Physical Education.
276 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if all amendments by means of circular or otherwise to the most recent Rules for National Schools promulgated by the then Minister on 22 January 1965 have been sealed with her official seal and that of the Minister for Finance in the same way as for original rules; and, if not, the reason.
Amendments to the Rules for National Schools since 1965 have not been sealed with official ministerial seals in the manner referred to. Such a practice has been confirmed to the publication of the complete Rules for National Schools. The promulgation of amendments to individual rules takes place by means of a circular letter to school authorities in each case.
While preparatory work has been done on a revision of the rules, I intend to await the recommendations of the Primary Education Review Body and the Primary Curriculum Review Body before proceeding further.
277 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the dates of publication of each updated version of the Rules for National Schools issued by her Department since the foundation of the State, including the date of issue of the rules currently in force.
Updated editions of the Rules for National Schools were published in 1932, 1946 and 1965. The 1965 Rules, with amendments, are currently in force.
While preparatory work has been done on a revision of the rules, I intend to await the recommendations of the Primary Education Review Body and the Primary Curriculum Review Body before proceeding further.
278 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if and when the Rules for National Schools have been amended by her in order to extend to bodies, other than religious denominations, the right to apply for State funding for national schools.
The right of such bodies to apply for State aid for primary education is conveyed under Article 42 (4) of the Constitution.
Application for aid is made under Rule 29 of the Rules for National Schools.
