Vol. 490 No. 7
70 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for a greater alignment of the second level school curricula in the Republic and in Northern Ireland particularly in view of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11068/98]
Pupils transfer to second level schools in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at different ages and they also take their first national certificate examinations at different ages. In addition the leaving certificate programme involves a broader range of subjects while the A Level programme involves the study of three subjects in more detail. Consequently there are some inherent difficulties in aligning second level curricula in both jurisdictions.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment, NI, have worked closely in the development of civic, social and political education in the Republic of Ireland and in the programme of education for mutual understanding in Northern Ireland. There is regular consultation between the NCCA and the CCA, NI and also with other curriculum councils in England, Wales and Scotland through the Curriculum Councils Liaison Group on curricular developments, early drafts of new syllabi and trends in assessment.
At departmental level the European studies project has developed modules in history, geography and the European dimension which dovetail as appropriate into the separate curricular requirements in both jurisdictions. From time to time to mark important historical events curricular material is developed for use in both education systems. The Cross Connect project which is funded under the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation includes development of agreed joint curriculum projects for the eight schools involved. My officials are in regular contact with officials from the Department for Education, Northern Ireland on co-operation across a broad range of curricular areas at second level.
Arising from the Good Friday Agreement, I believe that education must be central to an active agenda for reconciliation and this process must start in our schools. An increased level of cross-Border interaction among school children can be achieved through the new ScoilNET IT initiative within Schools IT 2000, full student exchanges and visits. I have increased the available funding for student exchanges. The Government will provide whatever support is necessary to ensure that our schools are to the fore in the lasting achievement of peace and reconciliation on this island.
