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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 7

Written Answers. - Teacher Training.

Tomás MacGiolla

Question:

221 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the new supports which have been provided for teacher training and university research with a view to combating racist views, through the teaching of human rights and history at school, in view of Recommendation 73 of the European Parliament Report on Racism and Xenophobia, 1990.

Tomás MacGiolla

Question:

222 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Education the action which has been taken to introduce teaching against racism into the curriculum of primary schools as a compulsory subject in view of Recommendation 71 of the European Parliament Report on Racism and Xenophobia, 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.

The concerns which gave rise to the EC Council Resolution of 29 May 1990 on this subject and the Recommendation of the European Parliament report which the Deputy refers to arose in the context of areas of the EC with large immigrant populations. Such resolutions and recommendations are not binding on the member states and it is left to each member state to take whatever steps it deems necessary to deal with its own particular situation.

I am satisfied that teachers generally are sensitive to the need to cultivate and foster in their pupils the concept of equality of people and the necessity to understand and accommodate different views on a wide range of issues. I will be asking my Department to keep the matter under review in the light of possible changes that will be brought about by greater cohesion and integration in the post 1992 Europe.

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