Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 1

Written Answers. - Geographical Society Request.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

226 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education whether she has acceeded to the request from the Geographical Society of Ireland, Cumann Tíreolaíochta na hÉireann, for a meeting to discuss the future of geography on the junior certificate curriculum. [12609/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Deputy will be aware that this House recently passed a resolution which read "That Dáil Éireann endorses the commitment in the White Paper to promote and develop in pupils a knowledge and appreciation of their social and cultural heritage and environment through the study of history and geography at junior certificate level and, in particular, welcomes the Minister's commitment to maintain the status of history and geography as core curriculum subjects in the junior cycle".

I have also asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to advise me on what should constitute the core curriculum at junior cycle within the context that geography will be a core subject in the curriculum.

The Geography Society of Ireland, Cumann Tíreolaíochta na hÉireann, can be assured that the future of geography on the junior certificate curriculum is secure.