Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 4

Written Answers. - Nationalism in History Textbooks.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

104 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education the terms on which Irish nationalism is dealt with in the history books currently used in primary and secondary schools; if she has satisfied herself that such books reflect sufficiently the pluralism of Irish society and the more enlightened attitudes towards Britain and Unionism contained in the Joint Declaration by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. John Major on 15 December 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

At the primary level, the Department of Education reserves to itself the right to sanction textbooks for use in national schools. To this purpose Guidelines for Publishers of History Textbooks were issued in 1981. The guidelines ensure the promotion in the textbooks of the philosophy and principles embodied in Curaclam na Bunscoile, 1971, namely: “Care should also be taken that in the presentation of facts there is no distortion or suppression of any truth which might seem to hurt national pride. The picture of events which the child carries with him/her from the classroom should be true to the facts and unspoiled by special pleading of any kind. It should, in particular, represent fairly the contribution of all creeds and classes to the evolution of modern Ireland.”

When history textbooks are in preparation, draft manuscripts are submitted to the Department where they are carefully scrutinised by the inspectorate. In the case of any lack of balance or objectivity, amendments to the text are sought before publication.

The primary curriculum is now under review by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. While no major changes are expected in the history programme, there will undoubtedly be further clarification of the need for balance and objectivity in the presentation of historical facts to pupils.

The textbooks used as aids in the teaching of history in post-primary schools are chosen by the teachers themselves and are not prescribed by my Department. An objective of the education process of teachers of history, at both initial and inservice training, is the development of special sensitivity in the selection of textbooks with a view to ensuring that their content is deemed suitable both for the history syllabuses being taught and also for the students in the context of the aims and objectives of the specific syllabuses.

My Department does not seek to promote a particular point of view on any aspect of Irish or world history. It seeks to promote the teaching of the subject in a manner consonant with the discipline of history itself.

I am not aware of any cause for concern in this regard.

I would like to inform the Deputy that, in view of its significance in the context of the search for peace in our country, I arranged for copies of the Joint Declaration to be sent to all primary and post-primary schools to ensure that teachers and pupils are made fully aware of its terms and objectives.