Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Syllabus.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

202 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the new Leaving Certificate syllabus for the Leaving Certificate music will not be available until September 1996, for examination in 1998; if her attention has further been drawn to the detrimental effect of this delay; if she will ensure that the new syllabus is introduced for the 1995 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The content of all subjects in the Leaving Certificate is being reviewed and updated by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) at present.

The revised Leaving Certificate subjects will be introduced on a phased basis.

I expect that the following subjects will be introduced in September, 1995: Irish, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Physics, Chemistry, Accounting.

Discussions are taking place with the NCCA on the timescale for introducing the remaining subjects including music. It is very important that adequate time is available for the orderly introduction of all the new subject syllabi into schools.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the new Leaving Certificate course in music is now at an advanced stage of preparation. It will follow on naturally from the new Junior Certificate programme which has been enthusiastically received.