Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 4

Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate English Syllabus.

Helen Keogh

Question:

63 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the dismay being expressed at the underrepresentation of women writers in the new draft leaving certificate English syllabus; the plans, if any, she has to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Concern at an underrepresentation of women writers in the draft syllabus for Leaving Certificate English has been expressed. The responsibility for drawing up syllabuses rests with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. I have every confidence that the course committee of the council drawing up the leaving certificate English syllabus will devise a syllabus of the highest quality for pupils and for the maintenance of the highest standards in the subject.

I consider that strict numerical gender representation would not be appropriate. I trust in the NCCA, which I know to be very committed to gender equality, to recommend the best courses. A first draft, prepared by the course committee, was considered by the NCCA to have an underrepresentation of women authors. A final draft syllabus has not yet been submitted to the Department. Material for literature courses will be selected on the basis of the opinion of experts as to its literary and pedagogic worth. I know that the committee is addressing the issue.